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My Telija Ch. 01

By: NightTempest



Hey Everyone!

This story came to me one day and I couldn't help myself from writing it immediately. When a story starts to unravel like a full on movie out of thin air, it cannot be denied. LOL. So while I'm still working on other things *wink wink* I hope you enjoy this new piece...which is a romance/action/drama.

THIS PART IS MY WARNING: see I made it in all caps to get your attention...*laughs* I would like to state that this is a NON-HUMAN gay male story. Seeing as how some readers forget to READ THE TAGS before diving into a new story, I just wanted to put that out there before they get halfway through and start writing "not so awesome" comments about how they hate non-human stories.

Well see now you can't do that, because I told you from the beginning. (I'm a smart one sometimes) Anywho...I do still appreciate comments and feedback, oh yes and votes, I do love those. I hope you enjoy this new piece and by the way welcome to the world of Fae.

Xoxo

~NightTempest

P.S. Telija (Te-lee-hah) means my heart, my love, my everything

*****Jordan*****

I slapped the blaring box next to my head with a groan. Waking up was an everyday struggle of which I had yet to master. I sat up slowly, contemplating grabbing my cell, and calling Dave. This was a Monday ritual of mine, wake up, sit up, and think about calling in sick at work. I had yet to actually do it, as Dave my boss thought me the responsible one of all the underlings.

Stretching my limbs, I once again refused to call in, and threw back the covers, exposing my body to the cold air. That was always the worst part for me, leaving the nest of blankets that were warm and perfectly molded to your body, only to shiver from the difference in temperature, and feel like you just made a mistake. I rolled my eyes, scolding myself for my childish dallying, and placed my feet on the freezing wood floor below.

The clock blinked like an evil beacon, signaling that I only had an hour to be at my pathetic excuse for a job. I meandered over to the window, dreading what winter had surprised me with while I was sleeping. Oh joy, I scowled, observing the foot of white that covered my Honda civic in the driveway. My second observation being that the snow plow devil had come by and wiped all the powder from the street right behind my car, creating a lovely barricade in which I would have to dig myself out of.

I scratched my head in irritation and grumbled to the shower. My roommate Lucy was most likely still sleeping off her hangover across the hall, as I heard nothing but silence when I reached the bathroom we shared. My toes hit something wet against the tile and I looked down with revulsion. Just great, I cringed, peeling my foot out of a puddle of vomit.

I didn't have time to curse the party girl a wall over and turned on the shower to warm it up. The pipes groaned like they always did on a cold morning and I wondered if hot water would bless us this hour with its presence. I rinsed my soiled foot under the cool water before wiping up Lucy's mess, along with a glittery blue thong from the bathroom floor, tossing the vile garment in the trash.

Why the hell did I put up with this? I knew why, but it didn't make living with Lucy any easier at the moment. The blonde in question was my cousin and when she had offered to share a rental house downtown with me I had thought my prayers had been answered. Saving for a down payment on my own house by splitting cheap rent with Lucy had sounded like a god send. What I didn't know was that despite her rather kempt and fashionable appearance, the girl was a right slob undercover and a party animal to boot.

I stepped in the shower, feeling the warm steady stream of water relax my worries about my trashed out family member next door. I cleaned up my body, washed my hair, and looked at my disappointed penis. Frowning at my little friend, I promised myself a good tug after work, and stepped out of the steamy haven.

I barely made it out of the shower, when I heard the shrill sounds of my cell going off in my room. My grip tightened around the towel at my waist while I ran to answer it. It was probably Dave, reminding me about the meeting this morning, as if I didn't remember.

Snatching the cell from my dresser, I flipped it open, "Hey Dave..."

"Where have you been? I've been calling you for half an hour," Dave conveyed with agitation.

"Some of us shower before we go to work Dave," I grunted, "what's going on, you sound wired."

"Oh I'm wired alright. The whole place lost electricity last night, fuse box blew to kingdom come, and the heat decided to call it quits as well. So we got no power, no heat, and an extremely pissed off client wanting to know where the hell his designs are. Please tell me you've got something to show this guy...Jordan please for the love of all that is holy, tell me you can work this out," Dave rambled in a fluster.

I slapped a hand to my forehead, Mondays should definitely be illegal. Walking over to my laptop, I swirled my finger over the touchpad, waking the screen to life. Knowing I had at least some of the final sketches and full graphic images saved to my computer, I set about trying to figure out what was usable for a client's eyes. 

"Yea Dave, I got some stuff. Uh, tell him to meet me at Hubbard and Fifth, Zeena Café. I'll be there in an hour alright?" Hoping that would sate my boss and hopefully this mystery asshole.

I heard the big man sigh, "I owe you a beer kid. You pull this off and maybe I'll owe you a bonus too."

I chuckled, "I'll hold you to that Dave. Give me a blip on this guy quick."

"Works for Donovan publishing, his name is Steven Kilford. Thirties, executive lackey, thinks he's hot shit," Dave laughed, "trust me he's not. Not much else to say, except he'll probably try and rattle you. Hope to God he goes for the cover art and puts it through with the top dogs. No pressure though right?"

"Yeah right Dave. Gotta let you go though, that is if you want me to actually make it there on time."

"Right...uh...yeah. Good luck kid," Dave grumbled the last part and ended the call without another word.

I threw the phone on my bed, letting the towel fall to the floor. Rushing to my closet, I grunted at the bare selection of pressed shirts hanging up, and selected a gray button up, with a black tie wrapped around it. It had been my experience, much to my dismay that I would never learn to wrap a tie correctly. Instead I relied on the sleeping Courtney Love next door to secure all my ties in a pre-done fashion and tighten them later on accordingly.

It was a small nuisance on my part, but at least Lucy had one useful trick up her sleeve. I chuckled, thinking of the other tricks she probably had, followed by shaking the perverse thoughts from my head, and mentally scolding myself for thinking of my own family in a downcast manner. She was a good person when she wasn't partying or squandering away her inheritance on material things, but she was a girl and girls liked to shop I guess.

Balancing myself along the wall, I hiked up my black slacks, thankfully pressed, and buttoned them up, encircling a belt to hold them in place. Unfortunately I had inherited my mother's willowy frame and had no hips to speak of. My entire body was like an average bean pole and I couldn't feasibly count the times I had wished for just a bit of muscle or fat even to encase my waft like figure. I sighed, knowing I didn't have time to get into a self-image battle with myself, and hurriedly threw together the rest of my ensemble.

Feeling presentable, I walked to the mirror for a quick inspection, before I could dash out to start my day. I cursed myself, as I realized I had forgotten to shave, running a hand over my light brown stubble. My hair at least had decided to behave, lying in thick waves to my shoulders. I had inherited the mop of glossy tresses from my mother's sperm donor, whoever the hell he was. Mom didn't talk about him, I didn't care to broach the subject, and we had just left it at that. The only thing I was grateful for in his capacity was the hair.

My eyes looked groggy, not their usual clear teal, but a darker duller shade of blue. I could blame it on the lack of sleep, but really...who was I trying to impress...this publishing asshole with his three grand suit? I blinked a few times, hoping to clear the hazy look out of my eyes, but failed and gave up, shoving my laptop into my messenger bag. 

Throwing on my wool coat, I popped the collar, and wound a thick scarf around the neck. I didn't really care if it looked stupid, it was cold outside and if looking dumb meant being warm, then so be it. I finished up and slid on some rubber boots over my slacks, yet another ridiculous addition to my appearance. If you've ever lived anywhere where public maintenance salts the ground, then you know to not let the cuff of your pants get anywhere near it. I had countless slacks that had been ruined, with white tie dye looking stains around the ankles. 

I had my dress shoes in hand, to change into later and shut my door quietly, hoping not to wake sleeping beauty, for fear of her hung over wrath. So far so good I smiled, treading lightly down the carpeted stairs, to the first floor. A creak of wood from above made me cringe.

"Jordy?" A soft voice called. Shit, shit, shit.

"Yeah Lu?" I returned, trying to be gentle. Having a hangover and people shouting was like pounding your head into the wall.

"Mom called a minute ago. Aunt J can't get a hold of you. You didn't give her your new number?" Lucy peeked her blonde head over the banister, her voice groggy.

I cursed myself, great! Now my mother was going to be right pissed. I had only gotten the new phone service three days ago, due to Dave changing plans, and had forgotten to call her first thing. She was always calling. Forever pestering me about this, that, or the other. 

"Kim say if she was mad?" I asked. My Aunt Kim God bless her, was the filter between me and my mother.

"No, said she sounded really worried, almost weepy," Lucy rolled her eyes, "Is she taking meds again?"

"Not that I know of, I'll call her after my meeting. Just call Kim back and tell her to go check on mom please."

My mother had been on and off anti-depressants for my entire existence. She didn't date, she didn't really leave the house other than work, and she was always sad. It was like after I was born she shut down. According to Aunt Kim, she had once been a thriving and spontaneous woman, full of life, and a free spirit, but it was my birth that changed all that.

"All right, I'll tell her, just don't slam the door on your way out," Lucy mumbled, before stalking back to her room.

"Whatever," I whispered and went out to my car, quietly shutting the door behind me.

~~~~

"For fuck's sake!" I knelt in front of the flat tire that mocked me. Groaning, I stood and kicked the tire like it was someone's face, mentally putting another reason on my 'why I hate Monday's' list.

I leapt over a pile of snow that was blocking my car, and headed down the icy sidewalk, trying my best to hurry along over the slippery pavement. With my phone in hand, I grudgingly dialed Dave, waiting for the fury to unleash itself.

"What now kid?" Dave grunted.

"Yeah tell Kilford I'm going to be another fifteen. I got a flat tire," I mumbled.

"Great... just great!" Dave shouted away from the phone, "Sorry Jordan, it's not your fault. You're only a few blocks from Zeena right?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna cut through Middleton Park, heated sidewalks should save me some time."

I glanced up, feeling eyes on me, and passed a tall blonde beefcake staring at me. Creeper, I raised a brow, but just kept my hurried pace. He would have been hot, save the targeted stare he was burning into my back.

"Alright, I'll let him know. Take it easy kid and good luck," Dave sighed.

"Thanks Dave, I'll let him have it," I smiled, feeling grateful that Dave hadn't chewed me a new asshole.

"Get going. Talk to you later," Dave ended the call as he always did, blunt and on his own time.

I snapped my phone shut and crossed the empty street, shuffling over the ice towards Middleton Park. The trees up ahead thickened with a pristine metal sign signaling my turn off. The park was the last remaining patch of nature in the bustling downtown area. It was nice, quiet, and mainly used for its long narrow trails for walking and biking.

A woman pushing a baby smiled at me as I entered the main paved trail, I glanced over my shoulder and saw her stopped and staring at me. Whipping my head forward, I scrunched my face, why was everyone staring at me? If time had allowed, I would have gone back to the house and checked, but as it stood I was running short on minutes.

Clutching my dress shoes to my chest, I headed deeper into the thickly forested park, feeling an eerie quiet settle over the place. No birds chirped, the sky seemed to darken, and no other friendly locals were in sight. I walked along the bend that I knew would eventually lead to the tacky limestone fountain, where the hippy guitarists usually played for cash or food gift cards.

Walking into the small square, I noticed the two large men sitting at the base of the fountain. Both were rather burly, scary I guess would be a better term, and I kept walking, keeping my eyes down to not catch any unwanted attention. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one stand, turning my direction, and I felt a warning creep through my body in the form of goose bumps.

My boots quickened underneath, a fear spread through me. I heard the deeper footsteps fall in behind me and suppressed the urge to run. If I ran, they would just chase me right? I prayed to God that someone else would appear along the path, someone who would notice my situation. Maybe I was being paranoid and maybe they were just taking a break and decided to resume their walk. Or maybe the big muscle bound hoods, were going to kidnap me, and make me their latest serial killer victim. 

I heard the squeak that left my mouth and crossed the small bridge in what could be described as a jog. I almost gasped in relief when I spotted the tall dark haired man up ahead. Their footsteps matched mine as I started to race towards the lone figure for help, until he turned his eyes on me. The dark haired man's gaze was unnatural, like two orbs of pure spring green and something about him felt abnormal. 

I sensed more than felt the body coming close to my back and tossed my shoes behind me to distract my pursuers. The stoic man ahead stepped into the middle of my path, giving me no time to avert my direction, only allowing me to run straight into his embrace. It was then that I started to scream. Nothing in that moment could have stopped my lungs from carrying my cry of help to the world. I was scared with a fear that ran to the depths of my soul.

Everything else in my life was forgotten as the man that barricaded me, pushed my body behind him and raised his hands to the hoods that chased me. Something deep and melodic flowed from his lips, sending shivers up my spine, and I felt the air thicken, making it hard to breathe. The space around us started to thin a little as I sputtered for oxygen, the trees whispered with a quickening breeze, and we became the center of a swirling force of wind.

Leaves and branches danced around the two of us and I swear to all that was holy I heard voices. Our attackers stopped, raising their hands back to my saving grace.

"Give us the half breed and we will spare you," the red haired thug boomed.

I didn't even care what came from his mouth as I was in awe of the paranormal phenomenon swirling around us. It took everything I was to even remember to breathe, much less calculate what the red head was babbling about. My mind picked up the words half breed, but it meant nothing at the time.

"Go back to your master dark hunter, or I will truly show you what I am capable of," my protector's voice was smooth and deep, it sang to my heart like the voice of an angel.

"He is an abomination and must be dealt with weakling Fae. We fear not you, nor your little wind," the darker thug spoke up, sending chills down my spine. These guys wanted me dead and I felt that in the darker guy's tone, his gaze on me backing up his words.

My protector laughed with a chilling darkness that I tried to get past, but I backed up a foot in fear, "you know nothing of what you speak. Weakling Fae you say? Little wind you do not fear? Oh hunter of the dark, you will eat those words, and swallow them down with a bitter taste."

My heart threatened to beat out of my chest and I fell to the ground while the man before me shimmered, morphing his slender body into another being entirely. The 'hunters' as he called them watched with widened eyes, retreating a step or two, as my protector began to grow in size. Where his limbs had been willowy, they stretched and bulked, growing into thick tan muscles that rippled with the fists he held. His hair lengthened from his ears to a curtain of ebony down to his hips, and his ears! His ears capped off into points, glinting with gems so colorful, I was sure the earth had not made them.

He stretched his back, letting his spine crack, and his muscles move, as I cowered away from the six foot plus God of a man. In his hand now was a jagged red staff that he thrust towards the fearful hunters.

"I am Vendish, Prince of the Fae, and mover of the earth and wind," he shouted over the roaring swirl of wind, his hair whipping around him like shadows in the night, "Jordan of the Fae right is under my protection. Any that seek to harm what is mine, shall suffer my hand and that of the nature before you."

He raised his staff and all hell broke loose. I wrapped myself around a nearby tree trunk, feeling tears run down my cheeks. I had finally lost my mind, this is what it was like to be crazy, and live in a real to life nightmare. My body trembled uncontrollably as a storm of epic proportions rocked the park around me. The ground shook underneath, vibrating my body, and I started to hyperventilate.

Breathing turned into gasping, as the world below opened up before the man called Vendish. The hunters waved their hands, with frightening black mists erupting from their fingers, but it was swept away by the force of Vendish's wind magic. They had no hope of escape as the wind carried their heavy bodies into the pit in the ground, burying their screams under dirt and rock, and the crack closed over them.

Where the opening had been, pavement rebuilt itself instantly, like nothing had ever happened, but I knew what happened. Vendish turned to me, his lime green eyes glowing with power, and his hair blowing in the now gentle breeze. I hid further into the depths of roots and the broad trunk of tree that cradled my shaking form.

This was a dream, this was not real, I chanted, shutting my eyes tightly away from the approaching man. I buried my face into the rough bark, not caring if it hurt, only wanting to hide away from all that threatened my sanity. Soft fingertips grazed my cheek and I skidded away from the gentle touch.

"Don't touch me!" I screamed, scuttling over various branches to get away. I felt blind, though I could see, tears ran freely over my face while I tried to escape. I looked over my shoulder to see his proximity and that turned out to be a mistake. My retreating body ran smack into a hard chest and I fell to the dirt floor below.

"Please do not fear me," Vendish soothingly rumbled, crouching in front of me.

I propped onto my elbows in the dirty snow, looking straight into his unnatural eyes.

"I mean you no harm Jordan," he tried again.

"Who are you? How do you know my name? What the fuck was that!" I rambled hysterically, trying to crab walk backwards across the cold ground. My hands stung from the snow and the plethora of scrapes I had received.


My Telija Ch. 01



"I am Vendish..." he started, but I shook my head.

"I got that part, what are you?" I screeched, bumping into a tree, and using my hands to crawl up to a standing position.

He sighed, his mouth about to reply, when a rustle above caught his attention. I looked up to see what had captivated his eyes, only to see a dozen black crows settling in the branches above.

"I need to remove you from this place. The hunters have started scouting again. They no doubt have this park surrounded," He stood gracefully, his eyes glued to the birds.

"No. I'm not going anywhere with you. I don't know how you know me or what you are and how you can Gale Force out of your fingers, but I'm staying right here," I whimpered the last part when his eyes shifted to penetrate me.

"I know you are scared Jordan. You have every right to reserve fear inside of you, but I speak the truth when I tell you that you are in danger. I vow to you that everything will be explained in detail shortly, but right now, they come for you..." his tone was ominous, but his eyes held warmth and I felt compelled to follow the sound of his voice anywhere.

"I have a job Vendish, I have a family, and a life. Don't you think people will notice I'm gone," I murmured.

He glanced back up at the birds that were strangely quiet, "Jordan today your boss called you and told of electrical and heating malfunctions yes?"

"How did you..." my eyes widened.

"And then he told you to meet a man called Kilford?"

"Yes," I whispered, feeling with certain dread that I knew what was coming next.

"The man that calls himself Kilford is not a publishing employee. The real publishing executive Steven Kilford was found dead three days ago," he murmured, crouching once more, "the man you were to meet was a hunter Jordan. Not just any hunter, but 'the' hunter. A man so vile, that your death would be a work of art in his hands."

I sat back in silence, too stunned to form a complete sentence. My eyes fell on my laptop and knowing such a simple notion as showing my sketches would have meant my death was terrifying. 

"It was my guard that leaked your tire, ensuring you would be on foot, allowing us to keep close and make sure the meeting never happened. It was the hunters that blew the power and heat at your office to ensure them a more private appointment," he waited for a reply, hope lingering in his eyes.

"That man on the sidewalk...the lady with the baby...guards..." I whispered to myself, trying to think through the cycle of madness swirling in my head.

"Yes. They are Fae and they are in place to protect you,"Vendish inched closer. His thick thighs wobbling over the snow, making me almost laugh at his formidable size.

My crazy smile must have been interpreted as an invitation as Vendish kneeled before me, very close to my body. I shivered as he loomed over my thin frame, a hesitant smile on his chiseled face. His thin black linen shirt billowed around his chest, while he pushed up his sleeves like it was a nervous habit. It was then that I saw the intricate tattoos gracing his arms.

The palette of colors, were unlike anything I'd ever seen, even on photo shop. Vibrant blues, and jewel tones from another world, were laced around thin black lines, weaving all together into symbols and primal looking designs. They were beautiful and I caught myself as I reached out to touch them.

"They mark my heritage. Who I am and who my family is. Do you like them?" he cocked his head slowly, watching for my reaction.

What did it matter to him if I liked them? His eyes were soft as they searched mine and I stiffened back against the tree. I needed to get a grip, get off this cold fucking ground, and get the hell out of here. It was bad enough that I had just watched two men get sucked into the ground, and I could tell I was in shock and needed comfort, but being attracted to a man that had lime green eyes and controlled the wind was just not an option.

He seemed to sense my inner conflict and smiled widely, "come on Jordan, let's go."

I don't know why I gave up trying to tell him no, but I did and took the hand he thrust towards me. My cool palm slid into his warm one and his long fingers enclosed my hand softly. I wanted to bite my lip and moan at the feeling that zapped through me then. It felt better than sex, better than any blow job I had ever gotten, better than that one time I let Jimmy Hannigan...well never mind, but it was amazing. He firmly squeezed my hand and I looked up to see his eyes closed, as if he felt it too. When his eyes opened, he looked at me with an intensity so hot I could have burst into flames. 

My cheeks burst with warmth and I knew I was blushing, so I looked away, "where are we going?" I whispered, but he said nothing.

His hand uncurled from mine, causing me to frown, until from the corner of my eye I saw him move behind me. It was then that his larger body pressed against my back, his hand swept my hair away from my neck slowly, before unfastening the top buttons of my coat, and his other arm wrapped around my chest. It took all my control to keep my eyes from rolling back into my head at the pleasure his simple touches created, but I couldn't suppress the moan that left my lips.

Vendish's baby soft face nuzzled my neck and he inhaled deeply, letting his petal soft lips brush against my neck. My body shuddered, my hand ran across his arm at my waist, locking my fingers on top of his, and I tilted my neck so he would keep doing whatever it was that made my cock hard.

"We are going home my telija, where you should have been all along," he whispered along my skin, causing me to moan. I loved the way he spoke to me, like I was everything to him. It should have worried me senseless, but in that moment worries had all but flown out the door.

I felt safe in Vendish's arms, safe from hunters, evil crows, the wicked witch of the west, and whatever else was out to get me. The way he held me was enough explanation, so when I replied to him, it came as no surprise to my heart, "take me home Vendish."

"Anything my telija," he whispered, before the world I knew floated away on the wind.

*****Vendish*****

The moment Jordan touched my skin I knew who he was to me. If every star has a pair, then he was mine and I was his. The Fae called it Ghea, or in simpler terms eternal mates, fated to share a bond like no other, and even closer than that of mother and child. I had to be closer to him, to know his skin like it was my own.

Even fully well knowing what my touch would do to his human half, I selfishly gave into my baser desires. My fingers swept through his thick silky locks, pushing them to the side, and attempting to expose his sweet neck to me. He was lost to my powerful Fae touch and there was nothing he could do to escape my caresses.

Once I unbuttoned his collar, my nose closed in on the wonderful smell that defined Jordan as Fae, but more importantly my Fae. Inhaling him was like getting drunk on the finest wine, and dancing under the moon at Solstice. Only in my dreams, had my true mate come to me, and yet now, here I stood behind him, holding him in my arms.

I felt spoiled as my lips brushed his prickly yet boyish neck, lingering slowly over his fluttering heartbeat, and feeling my heated breath push back at me. When his hand crept over mine, it was if spring itself had blossomed inside of me. Jordan exposed his neck further, captivating my attention with his euphoric moan, begging me to taste his flesh in wanton abandon.

When telija left my lips, our fates were sealed, knowing this word only to be used for our dearest beloved. It was what my father called my mother, and it is what I would call my Jordan, my telija. When his voice came to me, telling me to take him home, a joy surged through me, even if his words were spelled by my touch, they meant he would be safe and near me always.

"Anything my telija," I whispered against his precious skin.

I closed my eyes and held him tight, leaving behind the danger of the mortal realm, and calling to my homeland to give us passage. I felt the mother answer me, with whispers of certain safety for her darling kin, moving the air and space she created to whisk away the human world. I felt her pride, bringing home a child of her soil and flesh to greet the people that were his family.

The air lightened, giving way to a midafternoon sky of mandarin and violet and lush green fields dotted with wildflowers that smelled of sweet honey. We were home, and the wind greeted me softly, with a gentle breezing caress. I lifted my arms from my beloved, letting him take in the scenery before us with fresh eyes, void of my touch.

He shook his body out, much like a dog coming out of cool lake, and I pressed my lips together tightly to keep from smiling. Jordan was adorable, even when I knew he was about to be very angry.

Sure enough he turned and screeched, "WHAT THE FUCK?" His teal eyes burned like small raging oceans of fury and his arms clenched to his sides in anger.

"Calm down Jordan," I bit back another smile.

"Are you smiling? You are! This is funny to you?" Jordan turned in circles, taking in the field in a hyperactive whirl, his long hair whipping around him.

"If you don't calm yourself, I fear you will faint."

"You did something to me. I remember telling you I was staying in Middleton and then...then you did something!" The half-breed pointed an accusing finger at me and I feigned innocence, as it was in my nature to perhaps tease lightly.

My teasing ended abruptly as he fell to his knees amidst the tall soft grass, hanging his head with defeat. My heavy feet managed a light step through the greenery, reaching my beloved in mere seconds. I knelt before him, cupping his delicate face in my larger palms, and brought his glittering eyes to greet mine.

He was crying and it was indeed my doing. I had not had the male in my possession a mere twenty minutes and here I had already brought tears to his eyes. Jordan's eyes misted over, a familiar lustful look overtook him, and I dropped my hands from his skin. Immediately he shook his head, clearing the desirable fog of Fae touch from his mind.

"You did it again!" He cried, backing up through the grass.

"I didn't mean too, I am sorry Jordan," I pleaded, "you are part human and I forget my touch will have an effect on you."

He gulped and leaned forward onto his knees, "did you just say 'part' human? What does that mean Vendish?" 

"If you would allow me this one thing...I would tell you a story Jordan...I promise you everything will fall into place after you hear it," I softly relayed, trying to get him to calm down even the slightest.

He rocked on his knees for a minute in contemplation, no doubt thinking about running, but then thinking where would he go...

"Fine, but if you touch me again, all bets are off," his teal gaze was surprisingly full of hate and inside I died a little, but I would always be hopeful and never deterred.

"A century ago Guardwin, the King of Fae, was sent a message from the Hunter's realm by a black crow. While meeting with his twelve leaders of the different Fae species that same night, the King delivered the message amongst them. It was simply stated that if the Prince, Jameen of Fae, did not accept Meeka the countess of Shadows as his bride, then the Hunter's would unleash the dragons unto our realm," I caught the look of total shock on Jordan's face and sighed.

"Yes, dragons are real, but they are not as you think them to be...I assure you they are much worse, for they are made of shadows and only fly at night, making them nearly impossible to kill. Now may I continue?" Jordan nodded mindlessly and I watched the shock settle over his body, which relaxed into the grass.

"Where was I? Oh yes, Meeka. The Countess of Shadows was you see the sister of Lygos, the head hunter. The very man you would have had the pleasure of meeting this morning, had I not saved you," I added with a smile, hoping to revive some kind of life in his eyes, even if it was anger. To my dismay though, he sat there with his mouth hanging open slightly, and his eyes fixed on me with a widened glassy stare. I felt if I touched him with but a finger, he would keel over, still fixed in his current position.

I twisted a lock of my hair, trying to concentrate on the story, instead of Jordan's doll like predicament, "Knowing Meeka controlled the dragons and loved her brother fiercely, Jameen had no choice, and honorably accepted the offer without complaint."

"Okay say I believe this bullshit...now tell me why in the hell a guy would marry the Dragon bitch from hell instead of fighting for his people?" Jordan suddenly crossed his arms and raised a brow. I was startled at this sudden change, but sat up straight and nodded.

"Valid point from your view, but if you had been raised Fae, you would know how devastating the release of a full pack of dragons would be in our kingdom. They have no soul Jordan, they do not think or feel and they only do what their mistress tells them. If she says to wipe out the entire Fae race, then they will do so without mercy."

"So why didn't this Meeka just bring her dragons after me? Would've been a lot quicker than thug one and thug two trying that black mist voodoo earlier," he rolled his eyes.

I took a calming breath, placing my palms gently on my knees to center my patience, "are you saying you wanted to die Jordan?"

He looked at me curiously, "no...I just...never mind, just continue."

Once I felt he hadn't really meant what I had feared, I nodded to myself, "As I was saying..." I eyed him carefully, gaining his full attention, "Jameen put his fears aside for the good of his people and performed the hand fasting ceremony under the full moon, forming a mated bond with Meeka. Lygos was pleased with this union and declared peace amongst us, putting in writing that he would no longer direct his younger sister to call upon the dragons and cause us harm. We were deemed on equal footing in his eyes, but we all knew it would not last."

"Jameen endured Meeka's intolerable demands year after year, with no real love to at least get him by. His natural Fae brilliance dimmed more and more every season, until he was just a shell of his former self. One night around 23 years ago, after an epic fight with his mate in the middle of winter festival, Jameen stormed off, leaving the Fae lands and Meeka behind.

Guardwin went after his son, only to find him gone, with no trail left behind. The King was beside himself with grief, blaming his failure to fight Lygos in the first place for his son's departure. Guardwin realized Lygos was only using us all to gain better footing in the Fae lands through Meeka and driving a wedge between him and his only son, inevitably weakening the ranks for takeover. Guardwin became angry after that, demanding the best Fae trackers of the guard go and find Jameen and bring him home.

The guards and I went unto the mortal world, seeking out Jameen with only a hope and a prayer that the Prince still lived. What we found though, shocked us to the very core," I looked down at the swaying grass, touching it softly with a heavy heart.

What I was to tell Jordan next, would probably drive him away from me. Above all things I had done in the past, this was the hardest moment I had ever known. 

"What did you find Vendish?" Jordan's voice cut through my heart. I looked up into his innocent eyes and swallowed harshly.

"We found your mother..." I whispered, clenching my hands on my knees to keep from touching his sweet face in comfort.

"My mom?" Jordan sat back, shock clear in his eyes, "what does my mother have to do with this crap fairy tale of yours?"

"She has everything to do with it," I grit out.

He was quiet for a while, letting my words soak into his mind, trying to comprehend, but ending up more confused. Jordan shucked his coat off his back, throwing it next to him, and laying back amongst the grass, letting it cradle him while he thought. I couldn't push him and honestly it was harder for me to tell him what had been done, than for him to hear it. I would remember her face that night for all of my days...alone, cold, and slowly fading.

I crawled to him, stretching out next to Jordan, but careful not to touch. He turned his head and looked at me blankly with his jeweled eyes, "I'm ready to hear the rest now," he whispered.

"You must know that we tried Jordan. We tried to bring her back, but the damage was already done, and she had faded so greatly that it could not be reversed," I murmured my plea to him and he propped onto his side, facing me with narrowed eyes.

"What happened to her?" He seethed.

"Jameen had come to your realm as I said before...It all made sense when we found Jillian. His restlessness, his withdrawal...it was all because Meeka was not his true mate and his heart broke unbeknownst to him at the loss of something he never really had. The minute Jameen entered the human world, he was drawn to Jillian and she to him.

They spent one day together and that was all it took for Jameen to break his vow to Meeka. It was the first time in all of Fae history that one of ours broke their vows of mating, for normally it is impossible for a Fae to stray from their other half. With the exception being Jameen...he had found his Ghea, his true soul mate, and his touch sealed your mother's fate."

Jordan laid back once more, his eyes roaming the vivid sky for answers, and I had no choice but to finish, "when true mates touch, they cannot stray far from one another, for they live as one and not apart. The effects of long term separation are devastating and sometimes can result in death. Fortunately your mother was of a strong will and mind, but she would never be her former self, and fell prey to loss and grief for Jameen."

"Where did he go then? If they were so in love, why the hell would he leave her! Why would he do that to her...you don't know what it's like Vendish, to watch her day after day, her eyes always dull and lifeless...sometimes it's like she's dead, but still breathing," Jordan sat up and screamed, tears rolling down his face, "why would he leave like that?" his last words garbled through tears.

I wanted to touch him, to hold him and murmur reassurances in his ears, but he would surely hate me later. Instead I sat there watching him sob his formally secret emotions into the grass, alone and hurt in his struggles.

"I don't know Jordan...none of us do...I haven't seen Jameen in over two decades...it is why the King crowned me Prince in his only son's place."

He wiped his eyes on his sleeve and with a murderous look faced me, "it's strange..." his voice was cold, "that the King would pick you for next in line after my father goes missing, don't you find that strange Vendish?"

I stared at him with widened eyes. Did he just accuse me of killing his father? 

"You listen to me youngling and listen well," barely containing the fury that encompassed my body, "I looked up to your father as if he was my own brother. Never would I touch a hair on his head and never would the thought ever cross my mind!" I leapt to my feet, casting a looming shadow across the youngling, "I wonder everyday where he is Jordan! Every single sun and moon, I think, where is Jameen and why would he do that to his Ghea. Why would he leave such a beautiful boy without protection? Why? Why? Why?" I dropped to my knees, tears in my eyes.

"He left her alone to possibly die Jordan! This is not the man I knew and loved, but never would I harm him," I buried my hands in my face. These emotions were so strong and unlike me, for I was controlled and balanced, a Prince. Yet, here I was crying like a babe in front of the man I loved. These emotions were futile, for they would gain me no ground with Jordan because he hated me. All my worst fears were currently playing out and the great mother helped me not in this moment.




My Telija Ch. 01



"Vendish, I'm sorry. I didn't know how close you were, but this is just so..." he trailed off and I looked up. "Why did the Fae leave me behind?"

"Because as a part of Jameen, you kept her alive with regular contact...she was not Fae and could not be brought into this realm, so we had to leave you, much to your Grandfather's upset."

"Oh my God! Is she dying because I'm here?" Jordan shrieked and stood, rushing over to the place we had arrived. He hysterically started waving his arms in front of him and I knew he was looking for a way back.

"No...she is being taken care of by the guards. Some Fae contact will cease her distress, but she will need your touch in time," I walked to him, wrapping my arms around me.

He sighed with relief, but was still obviously worried, "so let me guess what happened next. Meeka got pissed off about my mom and started a war?"

"She tried," I smirked, "but your Grandfather killed her before she could summon the dragons. He knew what she would do and slit her throat while she slept."

"What about Lygos and the dragons?" he looked confused.

"Well, Lygos was obviously irate with his sister's death and tried to take control of the dragons to wage a war, but we found something out that night about the shadows..." I shuddered with memories, "the shadow power was transferred to Guardwin that night. We believe that by causing her death with his touch, the dragon's recognized him as their master, but we will never truly know the details. That night Guardwin went mad with unbalanced power and it took all twelve species to force the dragons into the earth, so the great mother could restore Guardwin once more."

"Who is this great mother, you keep talking about?" Jordan raised a golden brown brow.

I chuckled, "she is everything we are, she is the light, she is the earth, the air and water, the heart that beats inside of you...she is mother earth."

"You worship mother earth?" he started laughing and I scowled. The wind picked up then and the sky darkened to an angry plum color. Lightening cracked across the sky and a chilling cold filled the air. Jordan looked up with fear and the smiled died on his lips, replaced by awe with a hint of panic.

"Forgive him!" I shouted over the howl of the field, "He is but a child and knows not what he speaks of!"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Jordan screamed and fell to his knees, covering his head, and I bit back a laugh as the air chuckled lightly around my ears. The sky reversed to its normal orangey purple and the space around us calmed once more. Jordan slowly lifted his arms from his head, peeking out from his huddle on the ground.

"Never ever do that again..." I narrowed my eyes playfully at him, trying my best to look stern, but he was so adorable when he hid in the grass like a wee child.

"I promise," he nodded, his eyes guilty and a frown on his lips.

At that moment a light tinkling chime reached my ears and I smiled, lifting my hand palm up for the coming visitor. Jordan stood up straight and gasped, watching the tiny pink ball of shimmer buzz to my hand from the trees. A tingle went through my hand, followed by the tickle of wings as Daega landed in my palm. Jordan approached in a speechless state, creeping forward like a curious cat.

"My Lord," the tiny buzzing voice greeted me and I bowed my head slightly in respect, "June wished for me to tell you the mother is well and that Luciana crosses over shortly," Daega turned her tiny pink body in my palm, her diamond like eyes looking at Jordan. Her wings began to flutter nervously and she turned back to my face, beckoning me closer, "that is him? Jameen's wee one?"

"Yes Daega, it is him," I chuckled softly and she blinked her tiny eyes, her fuchsia hair ruffling in the breeze of her beating wings.

"He looks dirty my Lord, strange..." she whispered with a giggle, "oh what fun we shall have with him. I must go and tell the others."

"No you won't Daega, no tricks, no games, no dances either. Let him be for now, you playful pixie," I smiled as she sat in my hand with a huff.

"What is that?" Jordan managed, pointing his finger in shock.

Daega got to her feet, putting her hands on her hips, "I am pixie, you dirty beast...not a 'that', not an 'it', I am Daega and that is what you shall call me."

"There, there, little one, he didn't know," I cooed, stroking her tiny iridescent wings with my finger, causing her to giggle excitedly.

"Pixies?" Jordan raised a brow, "okay I think I need a drink now." He rubbed his eyes tiredly and I knew that I had given him too much to take in.

"I shall fetch you a drink!" Daega shot into the air with a laugh, "something smooth to sate your thirst," she chimed.

"Remember what I said little one," I nodded at her. She blew me a tiny kiss and in a wink was gone from us.

"What did she mean? Is she going to poison me?" Jordan was so skittish, but I guess if I was in his place, I would be the same.

"No," I laughed, "She is just eager to please me is all. Daega is a very good friend and loyal in every way to the Fae court."

"Eager to please you?" he scoffed, rolling his eyes, "that's sick..."

I cocked my head, trying to understand his meaning. Then it dawned on me what he was saying and I clicked my tongue, "you misunderstand Jordan. I do not use her for those kinds of services. Besides not only is she too small, 'she' is not my type."

Jordan looked at me seriously, "a wind Fairy has a type?"

I scoffed, "I am not a wind fairy as you say. I am Fae and yes I have powers over nature, but above all else I am a man. I am not some beastly nightmare Jordan. "

"I am a man..." he mocked me, pumping his fist against his chest and raising it into the air, "yeah right."

Growing tired of his frustrating human views, I waltzed forward to stand before him. I towered over him by a head or so and his eyes looked up in a stunning silence, "I am all that I say Jordan of the Fae right. I do not look down upon you for our differences and yet you mock me for mine. I think it would be best if I left you to another protector, for I do not see this relationship working out. I will summon a guard to take you to the palace and leave you in Guardwin's care...."

I turned around, letting the grin slip into place, and started to walk away. I might be a man, but I was Fae as well, and playing on emotions was what we did best. It was not right, I know that, but still I had to get him to come around somehow. To prove to me that this was real on both ends and I was not alone in this bond we were fated to share.

"Wait!" I heard his boots fall quickly through the field behind me, "don't leave!"

Whirling around with my face set in stone, I eyed him, "why?"

"Because...well...just don't go..." he whispered, not even able to look me in the eye. His hands were behind his back and he swirled his boot in the grass.

"Look at me and tell me why Jordan."

"I don't know!" He looked up frantically, "please just don't leave me here alone."

"Are you scared of being alone or are you scared that you'll never see me again?"

He was silent, and I sighed, "telija?"

"Yea?" he answered then scrunched up his face in confusion, "wait, what did call me?"

"It does not matter now. You are afraid to answer me and that is answer enough." My feet resumed walking away from him.

"Vendish, I'm scared alright? I woke up this morning to go to a meeting over a simple book cover design and now I'm being chased by hunters and birds. I find out mother earth and fairytale pixies are real. I'm told that my father left my mother to rot away and that I'm the only one that keeps her alive, but now I'm here...in this place that looks like something out of dream, and here you are the only one that I've met, telling me you're going to leave me here...alone. What did I do wrong? I've done nothing to deserve any of this...it's not my fault I was born! It's not my fault," he fell to his knees, his body wracked with tension, and sobs of distress escaped his lips.

This is what he needed and though it may seem I was being a cruel individual, it was time for him to be honest with his feelings, and leave his anger for another time. 

"It was never your fault," I went to him quickly, kneeling, but not touching him, "may I please touch you telija, please..."

His teal eyes were wet with tears, but he nodded, reaching for me. It was like coming home as my arms wrapped around him, feeling his small frame mold to my chest.

"You feel so good," he murmured against my shirt, dampening the material with his steady tears, "so right..."

"That is because you are mine," I whispered into his hair, inhaling the sweet smell of him.

Jordan's small hands moved under the back of my shirt, touching my bare skin, and causing me to relax into him. This touch felt different than the last time, as if I was the one spelled unto him. His hands slipped to my sides and then my chest, pushing me back into the grass. I lay there with a smile while he crawled onto my chest and laid his head down, resting contently as I combed his hair with my fingers. The moment was perfect and I could've stayed like this forever, just me and Jordan in the soft grass, but fate had other plans indeed.

"Heya Jordy!" An all too familiar voice laughed and my eyes snapped open. 

Jordan's head shot off me, his eyes wide as he took in our latest arrival, "Lucy?"

"Well don't you look cozy, and with the Prince of all Fae of all people..."she giggled and I grunted, sitting up with Jordan in my lap.

Her glamour fell away to Jordan's eyes and he gasped. Lucy's buttery blonde hair turned white as snow and shimmered against the orange sun. Her skin took on its natural sky blue complexion and her eyes turned silver over her human blue counterparts. Luciana's dragonfly wings parted from her back and released to their full extent, showcasing the magnificent rainbow of colors they held.

"You're blue," Jordan whispered.

"Yes I know it's stunning isn't it," Lucy turned in circles, showing off in true Fae fashion.

"You're blue," he repeated.

"Jordan?" I shook his shoulder and he turned to me.

"She's blue."

"Uh oh, I think you broke him my Lord," Lucy laughed, her wings flapping in delight.

Daega came soaring into the field, her zipping trail burning pink, and in her arms a small glass vile.

"What did I miss?" Daega sang to Lucy.

"Oh nothing much, Vendish broke my cousin," Lucy replied with a smile.

Daega giggled, "well, let's see if we can't fix him then. Ooo Jordan..."



My Telija Ch. 02



*****Jordan*****

There are always times in a person's life when they feel like they've fallen off the edge, no matter who you are or where you come from...none of us are ever safe from reality. I had no idea of how much time had passed since I first tumbled into Vendish's arms, but I knew that as the minutes ticked by, I was now the one slowly backing towards that edge. Never in my wildest dreams, even as a self-proclaimed 'creative' type, could I have imagined the things unfolding before me.

It was like a curtain had lifted from the world I knew and revealed to me the ugly truth, in the form of psychotic visions in which pixies, shadow dragons, and gorgeous fairy men lurked. Some people might have been fascinated and lured into a world that was not the mundane existence they knew to be, hoping that their romanticized childhood notions would sate their hearts and imaginations, but in reality though, being thrust into 'the other side' without anything safe to cling to, made you cower in fear and wish to god you had just called in sick that day.

So here I was, sitting in a field made of silky dancing grass, next to a man who looked like a hulking fairy warrior, and staring at my cousin...if she was really my cousin...who just happened to be as blue as the sky. Well the sky I knew anyways. I couldn't really think about much else besides the color of her skin, it was unreal and it was taking my brain some time to process. One minute she had been the girl I always knew, blonde, blue eyed, golden skin, and the next she looked like something pulled straight from a freaking fairy tale.

I watched her dragon fly remnant wings flap in the subtle breeze, a giggle bustling from her lips, and a delighted sparkle in her silver eyes, taking it in with a numb weakness in the pit of my stomach. The pixie called Daega flitted around Lucy's shoulders, playfully calling my name, and trying to break me from my silent stare, but I couldn't move, or think, or speak.

Even Vendish tried to shake me from my stupor, but he too was defeated. Daega landed on my knee, causing me to shudder at the feeling of impossibly tiny feet marching up my leg. She tugged on my shirt and I looked at her directly, watching her eyes catch the mandarin sky above and light up like fiery diamonds.

"I am sorry wee one. I didn't mean to give ya a fright," she lowered her fuchsia colored head, her wings ceasing to beat, "I brought you something to drink," Daega lifted a thimble sized vile with both hands and I couldn't help but take what she offered, making sure not to squash her tiny fingers with my much larger ones.

I wasn't sure how to feel about the offering, I mean what if it was some weird Fae drink that I could trip on for days? Vendish's touch soothed along my back, reassuring me that Daega's offering was alright, and his green eyes were soft with encouragement. He was seriously gorgeous, almost textbook Adonis, everything about him screamed perfect, but I was a skeptic of all things too perfect. Managing to pull my eyes away from his, I took a deep breath, and threw back the measly shot of possible Fae tonic.

Immediately the minty cool rush of liquid made its way into my bloodstream. My body responded quickly, causing my tension to ease, and my eyes to widen with awareness. It was like Red Bull combined with the childhood security of your mother's arms wrapped around you...or so I heard...in short it was miraculous. The smile that budded at my lips could not be stopped and I started to laugh. I hadn't felt this good in years, scratch that, I had never felt this good.

Eyeing the tiny pixie in my lap, "what the hell was that?" I was so excited, but for what I had no idea.

Daega laughed, "that is a tea the pixies make for their wee ones when they have a bad day or a nightmare..."

"Well it's absolutely amazing, I mean I feel wonderful!" I cut her off looking at Vendish who was on the verge of tears from laughing.

The sound of his rumbling laugh was exotic and enticing and I was so loose due to my buzz that I eyed his lips longingly. It was a well --known fact among my friends that I got extremely horny after smoking a joint, so rarely did I ever partake. I tried to fight the familiar urge, but lost the battle. So without further-adieu and a ton of tea-induced enthusiasm, I grabbed the back of his neck and pulled his lips to mine. I was aware of the gasps from Daega and Lucy, but was lost in the soft lips that pushed back at mine combined with the large hands that pulled me closer. His mouth was warm and his lips were like brushing against rose petals and my fingers combed through his curtain of hair, loving the way it spilt through them like running water.

By tilting my head, we locked to each other deeper, his mouth fitting over mine perfectly and his tongue tracing against the seam of my lips. Everything felt new and innocent as his tongue breached the barrier of my mouth, slipping inside and running smoothly over mine. I was frenzied with need for more, something felt as if it had unlocked inside of me as this man tasted every part of my mouth with hunger.

"EXCUSE ME!" a rather annoyed voice came to my ears and I twisted my face against Vendish's scorching lips.

Lucy stood there with an 'are you proud of yourself' look, her hands on her hips, and her mouth parted slightly. Daega buzzed in circles around Lucy's head and I turned my eyes back to Vendish, who was mere inches away. I startled out of his lap with the realization that I had just attacked his face and all because of some crazy fairy tea. What the hell was I thinking?

Vendish frowned and reached out as I clamored away from him and stood up, I wouldn't make that mistake twice. I won't deny that the kiss was hot and better than I had imagined, but as I said not just no...but hell no.

"Okay, now that I'm feeling 'better'..." I blurted, hoping to subdue all talk of my drugged out lip lock, while running a hand through my hair, and ignoring Vendish's mouth hanging open, "what the hell Lucy? If this is your real name...I mean come on. How do you expect me to react to this? I mean twenty two years and I didn't know! Are you even my real cousin?"

"Of course I am Jordy," she smiled brightly, flicking her white hair over her shoulder, "your...well Jameen is Aunt Kim's older brother. In any universe that makes us cousins, duh," she rolled her eyes and I clenched my fists. Show a little compassion Lu! "Anyways, do you honestly think I could show you what I am without you having a flip out fest and keeling over from a heart attack? I mean come on Jordy...when I took over as your watcher, I was three. It kind of became a habit to stay in glamour and all the boys loved it. Mortal boys are sooo much fun and the parties...Oh Great Mother! Those boys know how to dance and drink and...."

"Ugh, just can it Lu. I know damn well what you do in your spare time," I rolled my eyes in disgust.

"Oh excuse me oh righteous one. I am sorry to offend thee with such crude talk of my sexual endeavors," she mocked in a haughty accent, "or is it that you're just a stick in the mud because the last boy you had wasn't really satisfying and it's been a while?" She smirked.

"You bitch! I will have you know that he was very satisfying and ..." I stopped when I heard a low growl coming from next to me. I turned to see Vendish's green eyes glowing in anger and I shifted slowly back to Lucy who was giggling loudly. "Lucy!" I shouted and she laughed louder.

"Oh...Oh..my. You are just too easy cousin mine. Do continue...I think the Prince would love to hear just how satisfying Marcus was..." She rolled to the ground clenching her stomach. "Hey! Ouch Daega!"

The little Pixie continued to pinch her until Lucy crossed her arms with a frown, "you're going to get into trouble Luciana." Daega warned and Lucy huffed, but sat cross legged on the ground, arms folded across each other.

"Whatever Lu, what about mom, does she know? And how is she...you saw her right?"

"Aunt J is fine Jordy. My mom is with her and she's just sleeping. When I left June, the Fae's most powerful healer, was checking her over and to answer your first question...yes she does know. She has since the day he left her," Lucy came forward and I took a step back unconsciously. Lucy frowned, stepping back, and turned her head away from me. Apparently fear of her appearance still lurked on the edge of my mind and the pain she felt due to my careless prejudice was evident on her face.

"Lu I'm sorry, I didn't mean it..." I offered.

"Yes you did Jordy! You always hate on me. You don't think I hear you with your friends or on the phone about what you think of me...oh and add to that I'm a monster because I'm not like you," she gestured to me from head to toe, anger in her eyes, "...well let me tell you something Jordan, you're not what you think. You may be half human, but you're also half Fae, part of my family Jordan. Did the Prince here tell you about what happens when you cross over into Fae Jordy? Huh...did he?"

I looked from a hysterical Lucy to a now fidgety Vendish. The imposing man now looked like a guilty child and I started to fume.

"No he didn't..." I grit out.

"Let me be the one to inform you then cousin mine. Once you cross into Fae from the mortal realm, your powers strengthen. For us this is normal, but for you...it will be different and 'new' shall we say."

"What do you mean Lucy?" I felt the color drain from my face.

"I mean dearest Jordy...that you will find out where your powers lie. They will come to you now and you will find out the true meaning of being Fae, but then again you have your Ghea to help you through, so it won't be a problem," the last part was snide from Lucy's mouth.

"My what?"

"LUCIANA!" Vendish turned around and screamed. The wind whirled around him and Lucy stepped back fearfully, "you will have a care water child or I will send you back to your Gran and let her have a go at you!"

Lucy dropped to her knees and bowed her head, "forgive me my Lord, I overstepped and was upset. I had no right."

Vendish shook his head and sighed, his features becoming balanced once more, "I am sorry Lucy...in truth you have done nothing wrong and have been nothing but honest, unlike myself. Rise Luciana, I forgive you." Lucy jumped to her feet, but kept her distance.

"Why did you yell at her and what did she mean about the Ghea?" I eyed him suspiciously. He was leaving things out and I suspected he did this often...or maybe it was a Fae trait, but even if it was, I didn't like it.

"I am a Ghea..." he looked at me slowly.

"Okay...so your mated then?" my stomach clenched and knotted with a sickness. The very thought of him in someone else's arms made me sweat. He was married and I kissed him...Oh God he was married!

Both girls laughed loudly, clenching their stomachs, and received a hard glare from Vendish.

"No Jordan, I guess what I mean is...'we' as in you and I are Ghea together," he waited, like that would make what he just said any clearer.

"I'm sorry. I guess I'm an idiot, but I don't understand what you're saying to me."

"What he's saying is that he's your mate, your true soul mate that is..." Lucy piped up and dashed behind me in fear of Vendish. Her slender fingers gripped my arms and her face buried into my back.

"Lucy! By the Great Mother...." Vendish was turning red.

My jaw had to have dropped somewhere around my knees, because that's what this kind of shock felt like. Not only had Vendish not told me about Lucy, but he was my pre-destined husband? Holy shit! My thoughts went to the only other Ghea he had told me of and the churning in my stomach was almost overwhelming.

"This is crazy!" my eyes bugged and I could feel the hysteria taking over again, "how can you be my mate? I haven't even known you all of a day and you're like what...what is this some kind of fucked up proposal? Oh Jesus, I'm gonna be sick..." I turned around and whatever drop of tea was left in my stomach, came up tenfold into the grass. Lucy shrieked and jumped away from me. Payback is a bitch, I muttered inwardly, thinking on what she had left for me this morning.

Warm hands soothed my hair away from my face and rubbed my back in slow circles, "I am so sorry Jordan. You have no idea how sorry I am for all this. If I could take back all of it for you, I would..." Vendish's rumbled whisper reached my ears.

I didn't know what to say to that. Let's break down that response while the shame of throwing up in front of a gorgeous man who claimed to be my rightful husband took a back seat shall we? He's sorry...for what? For being what he is or that I am what I am? He's right on one thing though, I don't know how sorry he is, because I don't know what he's sorry for! Secondly, what the hell did he mean about taking it back and why does that piss me off? Does he hate that he wants me and doesn't want to be with me? God Jordan, you are pathetic! Of course he doesn't want you...you're a mess. You're just some half freak that doesn't hold a candle to his godliness. Ugh...what the hell is going on?

"Telija...please talk to me..." the wind man's voice begged.

I wiped my shirt on my sleeve, coming up with no place to even begin to return that. Shutting my eyes, I stood up, and took some calming breaths. Think, Jordan, think...

I opened my eyes and stared at him, pouring some serious attitude into my gaze, "alright Vendish, I think I've had enough of the run around for one day. From now on you are going to give it to me straight. No more keeping things to yourself and no more revealing things when you feel the time is right. I'd like to think that I've handled this pretty damned well for the most part, but when you just keep springing shit on me...well let's just say if you keep it up, I'm going to explode and it won't be pretty.

You want to tell me I'm your mate and I'm your pretty princess bride, well that's just dandy, but don't expect me to just come running into your arms and reciprocate the bliss. Where I come from this mating business doesn't exist and it's going to take me a while to come around, if at all, to seeing things from your side, " Vendish tried to interrupt and I held up my hand, "I don't care that I kissed you, if you read into it more than you should have, then that's your fault...I mean I was hopped up on 'the tea', so the fact that you kissed me back does not gain you any points. In fact I believe that was taking advantage of me and I don't really like that at all. I'm not saying I hate you and yes I'm grateful that you saved me from the hunters and yes I feel the weird pull or whatever, but right now I just can't do this...this us.

I'm tired, I'm hungry, and I worried about my mom. So right now can we just tone down the he-man you're my main squeeze eternally bullshit? Cause that would be great, thanks."

Vendish stood there with his mouth gaping open. Lucy was hiding her face behind her hands and Daega was perfectly still on top of Lu's head. Finally Vendish took a deep breath and straightened himself, "you would like the truth? The whole truth, are you sure?" I nodded uh duh, just said that big guy.

"Fine. Luciana take Daega away, Jordan and I are going to have a private conversation."

"Yes my Lord," she bowed and both females were gone with a blue flash and a mist of water. I didn't have much time to be in awe over the mini rave sprinkler explosion because Vendish just kept going.

"Now, I will ask you one more time if you wish to know the truth Jordan, because I will be pretty forthcoming with my feelings and some of it you may not want to hear," he smirked.

"Wipe that smirk off your face, you ass, and tell me already. I'm a big boy and I think I can take it," he was so irritating.

"Are you a big boy Jordan?" he purred and I narrowed my eyes, "because you don't look so big to me. You look like you would be more suited for the use of a real big boy, a real man." He smiled, his green eyes glowing and I swallowed. Was he serious? Did he just suggest...oh hell no.

"God you are so arrogant. If you think that's how you're going to get me to accept, then you have another thing coming. I thought you were going to tell me the truth..."

"Well that was a truth," he chuckled and I wanted to slap him, "alright, you win. Here is the real truth Jordan. I am going to do whatever it takes to win you over. I know you feel the 'pull' as you said, but when I am done with you, I will make you beg for my touch," my heart was racing as he took slow steps towards me, "and when you finally give in...I will lick every square inch of your luscious little body until my tongue is numb and your taste is forever embedded in my memory.

You will scream my name, the name of your mate, while I pound into your flesh and the wind pleasures your skin to the likes of which you've never known. You will know who your other half is when I am done with you and never will anyone else satisfy you like I will. Never will you look at another the way you look at me and never will anyone know your heart like I know yours. How is that for truths little boy?" he whispered as he circled me. I felt painfully small as he preyed on my mind, my cock was rock hard at his blatant imagery, and I was having trouble breathing for the twentieth time today. I looked up as he stopped in front of me, not touching, but just looking. His green eyes were glowing bright and I felt pulled in by them, hypnotized.

Something changed and he seemed to come out of a trance almost as he shook his head. He looked away from me and I summoned all my control to keep from touching his beautiful face, "I'm sorry Jordan. I didn't mean to make you so uncomfortable. I respect your feelings towards me and that won't happen again. I know I am your mate like I know the grass to be green though. You can keep shutting me out and I understand your fear, but I will warn you that there will come a time when I won't be able to stop myself. I won't be able to control my want for you."

"So what are you saying...that if I don't come to terms with this, that you'll rape me? How romantic..." I scoffed.

"You do not understand!" He turned back to me, pain written across his features, "to know that everywhere around you is a love that will never be yours. That after five centuries of loneliness and almost giving up, to finally know the face of your beloved, your telija, to feel your bones cry with the ache to touch him, only to be slapped in the face with denial from his lips. No Jordan, I will not rape you, I would rather kill myself, and if it comes to that I will. In fact I would rather kill myself than hear anything else of your hatred for me." He spun on his heel and began walking towards the open field and away from the line of trees.

I felt crushed, way to go Jordan, way to be an asshole! "Wait! Vendish stop!" I ran towards him and he faced me, "I just..." I panted when I reached him.

"Can't right?" Vendish whispered and nodded. The look on his face was so broken, shredding my insides to pieces. He turned towards the open field and began to walk away. My heart fluttered, my breath hitched, and panic coursed through me. Was he really leaving me without a fight after that little speech? Come on big guy...

"Just stop! Stop this right now! I said I can't right now you big ass, not that I can't, as in end of conversation. Try to see this from my side Vendish, just try for crying out loud to listen to me. My mother is dying, I found out I'm part fairy, that there is whole other 'realm', and then throw on top of that this man proclaiming his undying love for me and wants me just to up and marry him? Just listen to how crazy that sounds..." I blew a hair out of my face and put my hands on my hips.




My Telija Ch. 02



"So you do want me then?" he raised a brow curiously, a small smile on his lips. You are so gorgeous... my mind drooled over that sexy little grin.

"That was the only thing you heard out of that entire conversation...and wait...I said nothing about wanting you like...God Vendish, just give me some breathing room here..." I rolled my eyes, feeling like I was having a fight with a brick wall.

"But Jordan, you did just admit that you want me, and I will give you time to ponder...for now..." he winked and I think I growled, but I wasn't quite sure.

"So you did all of this, made me get all worked up, just so you could hear that I thought you were sexy? Am I getting this correctly?" Fucking Fae and his little mind games!

"Yes I did and yes you are and the best part is you are going to be much easier than I thought," he purred, "so adorably easy."

"I'm sorry are you calling me a slut?" Better watch what comes out of your mouth next Vendish or its ugly time.

"Slut? I don't understand." He cocked his head and I groaned, of course he didn't know what that meant. The man could pack some serious passion into his words, but he didn't know what a slut was? Perfect.

"A slut, or someone who quickly and willingly gives up sex and with multitudes of people, a person who knows no prejudice with their body when it comes to genders, ages, or random strangers and more times than not, enjoys every minute of it." I stated matter of fact.

His face fell into one of complete horror, "I did not say that, nor will I ever! Oh Great Mother Jordan...please say you are not one of these...I cannot say that dreadful word."

It was my turn to start laughing, because for one it felt good and secondly I finally had the upper hand, "what if I was Vendish? Would you still take me as your princess then?" I snorted and fell into another bout of laughter.

He was silent in his contemplation and I covered my mouth to hide the smile. Finally he looked up very seriously, "for you I would overlook all things." He nodded and I strangely thought it was sweet.

"You would huh?" I smiled.

"Anything for you my Telija..." he whispered.

"You're serious aren't you, you wouldn't care if I was covered in blue fur and didn't have eyes...you would still want me..." the realization of this bond hit me like a boulder to the face. I wasn't about to admit it to him, but with every word that he vowed to me, I felt closer to him.

"Well I admit it would be a bit strange, but it wouldn't matter, because in the end I would know someone had my heart and I had theirs," he poetically murmured, a far off look in his eyes. "Admit to me one thing and I will drop this for now..."

"What now Vendish?" I huffed, hiding my real thoughts.

"Do you think...well...do you find me beautiful truly?" He stammered, looking at the ground. I raised my brows with a smile, but decided to indulge his sense of pride, because just from his words and expression, I don't think he had ever had heard it from someone that mattered to him. I could remember the first time a guy called me beautiful and it literally had me floating on cloud nine for two weeks. It was a memory you would never forget.

"Are you kidding? Of course you're beautiful. Look at you for crying out loud..." I threw my hands at him, "the question is, why you want me? I'm a nerd, who can barely dress myself, and has the body of a sixteen year old boy! Is it just because of this Ghea business that you feel compelled to want me or are you really attracted to me?" I went quiet waiting for a response.

"It is you who jokes now Jordan, you're not a boy, but a beautifully crafted man that I would enjoy laying my eyes on for the rest of eternity. Your eyes remind me of exotic oceans, full and colorful with life. I love the way your face lights up when you get excited and the way your hands move as if they are playing with the wind around you. The sound of your voice makes me weak and the things that come out of your lovely mouth make me smile. Is that enough answer for you?"

I might have been told I was beautiful by some guy in a dirty dorm room, but no one had ever said anything like that to me. Not my mother, not my boyfriends, no one. My heart caught in my throat and I took a deep breath through my nose. Not giving in was about to get really hard, but I had to hold off a little longer, if not for the logical side of things, then to test my own willpower.

"Thank you Vendish, that was um...nice of you to say," I murmured, rubbing my face to hide the blush, but he caught my hands with his.

"If you don't want to admit to me out loud what you feel, then at least give me the luxury of looking at your face, so it will tell me all I need to know." He grinned.

The sky darkened a little behind him and the oranges and purples began to shift to a deep plum with wisps of sultry indigo. It was not the strangest thing I had seen today, but it was new all the same. Vendish glanced up to see what had caught my eye and smiled.

"It will be night fall here soon. Would you care to go to the palace directly or stay at my home...it is only moments away from the others and heavily guarded against the Fae that roam the shadows..." I raised a brow at that comment.

"What do you mean? I figured this place was like wonder land, all peaceful and perfect, but now you're telling me there are things that roam the night?" I looked up into his eyes and he laughed.

"Nothing is perfect my Telija. I only meant that the Night Fae happen to be tricksters in their element. They live to give others a fright and have a good laugh, but to you it would seem more nightmarish than a simple prank. They would never truly harm you, but never the less it's best just to avoid them in the darkness all together. My best friend and second in command is a Night Fae and I would trust him with my life...and then there are the Yukah, but it's probably not in your best interest to delve into that conversation..." He murmured into my hair and I felt a little calmer, but still my heart raced at the thought of creepy crawlies and night thingies.

"Then let's go to your house. I'm not really up for a bunch of other 'shockers' today," I resigned and yawned again, "and just because I'm going to your house, doesn't mean..."

"Yes I know, I know. I will not subject you to my fantasies or take advantage of your innocence," he crossed his heart and bowed at the waist, a grin on his lips. I bit my lip, pondering his idea of fantasies, and shifted slightly to adjust myself.

"Shall we go then? I have something I would like to show you first..." He rose to his full height and smiled. I nodded and he abruptly hugged me tight, causing a gentle breeze to start around our feet and make its way up our bodies, until we were fully encompassed with the honey scented air.

~~~~

A soft sigh ended our whirlwind embrace and when I managed to disentangle myself from Vendish, I saw the most striking creation I'd ever known. Tall graceful trees made of midnight and aquamarine arced and circled a large crystalline pond. The branches of the trees created a tent above us, entwining with each other so that only the smallest bit of sky peeked through. Small twinkling blue orbs floated around the canopy, giving off the effect of fireflies, but slightly larger and illuminated the forested ceiling above. The water in the pond seemed to softly glow from underneath, silhouetting the small purple flowers that floated on its surface.

Vendish smiled, "I thought this might calm you after the day you've had. It happens to be my favorite place in all Fae."

I smiled back and watched the small ripples along the ponds surface, created by the darting orbs, playing in the water. Mesmerized by the way the water sparkled as if it was winking at me; I stepped forward to the edge, kneeling inches from the spectacular liquid. My fingers skimmed the top and came away shimmering, like glitter itself had been painted across my skin. With my heart starting to race, I once again touched the water like it called to me. It caressed me like we were familiar with one another and I continued to swish my arm back and forth beneath the surface, completely lost in its entirety.

I felt Vendish next to me, but I was transfixed like a child on the gleaming liquid. He chuckled, but said nothing as I explored the peculiar feeling the water gave me. When I finally sat back on my heels, I squeaked as a hand formed of water came away with me, mirroring my movements exactly. An arm followed and I pressed my palm to the watered hand.

"Vendish what is this?" I looked to him and saw that he was kneeling beside me in shock.

"Keep going Telija...," he urged and I turned back to the watery limb.

I entwined my fingers with liquid ones and gasped as a rush of something powerful filled me. My body begged to immerse itself in the water and I obliged, clothing and all, head first into the shimmering pond.

I heard Vendish shout my name, but water rushed past my ears and stilled my hearing. My limbs sought control to swim upwards, but the more I fought the tougher the water seemed to be. I started to feel a tightness grip my chest as I struggled to breath and fear consumed me. It was then that I remembered my years of swim team and stopped my thrashing completely. To my amazement my body floated to the surface and water gently lapped at my sides and limbs. I took a deep gasp for air and felt it fill my lungs, spitting water out as I exhaled.

"Jordan!" Vendish screamed and I sat up. Oh my God...Did I just sit up on top of the water? My eyes bulged as I looked around me, noticing the eight or so feet of depth beneath me. I was sitting on water, not a rock or some unforeseen surface, just water. My eyes had to be as wide as saucers as I slowly gazed down, taking in the profound feat in which I was currently a part of.

My eyes cut up to where Vendish was and I saw him starting to wade through the water up to his knees. I jumped a little as I saw the man on dry land smiling at me and his teal eyes glistening. I looked from Vendish to the stranger and the Prince caught on to my fear.

"It's alright Jordan...he's a friend..." he murmured and stopped treading when he was up to his stomach, "can you move?" I was overwhelmed, but I shrugged, not even sure how I was sitting up, let alone thinking of moving.

The strange man bellowed out, "just let the water work for you. Close your eyes and tell it what you wish to do next. It will seem a little strange, but trust me on this..." Trust you? Who the hell are you?

"It's alright my Telija, just listen to him," Vendish nodded his encouragement and I let out a shuddering breath. I closed my eyes, you can do this, you are not crazy, this is really happening, come on Jordan...

That's when I felt it, the calling of the water, like it was part of my body. I felt the small bubbles kissing my legs and knew with certainty that it was listening for my next command. I can't really explain the sensation that I felt in that moment, only like it was a friendship that only I understood, and like all good friends it knew just what I wanted. With my palms flat over the water, I rose to standing and was amazed as the water followed my hands, rushing under my palms like walls of power.

Something else surged deep in my belly and I cocked my head, trying to make out what was happening within. The best I could say was that it felt like the pull from the water was battling against something inside me and I grit my teeth trying to force it down and concentrate. Whatever it was subsided, but it was still there, lurking yet quiet now.

"You're doing a fine job Jordan. Now walk to the edge slowly..." the other man instructed and I swallowed before trying to take a step.

I took the first step, testing the security underneath me with my toe first, then planting my sole firmly onto the liquid surface. Letting out the breath I had been holding while listening to the spray of water coming from my palms, I took another step, then another, and smiled at the miracle I was performing. It was scary, I'll give you that, but it felt so...right and amazing.

Vendish stayed close to me, wading next to my light steps towards dry. With a gasp of triumph I leapt to the grass and dirt, landing on both feet with success. Vendish sloshed to the shore, the sounds of his boots wheezing from the liquid that no doubt filled them.

"Are you alright?" he grabbed my forearm gently, pulling me to him, "I am sorry, I didn't know it would be that..."

"Powerful?" the bare chested man next to us asked with a laugh. I lightly pushed off Vendish, not because his touch bothered me, we all know that I loved it, but because I was more interested in the man beside us. His face was so familiar. His youthful teal eyes shone with the hint of a smile, and his light brown hair flowed down his chiseled chest. He was studying me with his arms crossed and the smile in his eyes changed to something else, almost a sentimental look.

Vendish cleared his throat, "Jordan I would like you to meet Guardwin, the King of Fae, and more importantly your grandfather."

I sucked in a sharp breath, this man was my grandfather? But he didn't look a day over thirty...

Guardwin unfolded his arms, but made no move to come closer, as if he was nervous and at a loss for words. All my life I had wanted grandparents, the people that were supposed to spoil you with sugar and hugs, to guide you through your tough years when you hated your parents, to tell you stories from their childhood with exaggeration and lots of laughs, but I never had that. My mother's parents passed away before I was born, and as for my fathers...well duh.

It was hard for me to comprehend the thirty something man before me was my grandfather, but I felt a longing to run and hug him despite his appearance. He seemed to feel the same way as he exhaled sharply, making up his mind, and strode over to me without another thought. His muscled arms wrapped around me and hugged me tightly, not briefly but a good long embrace that we both seemed to need in that moment. It wasn't lustful or mind blowing like when Vendish hugged me, but comfortable and loving, truthfully it was one of the best hugs I'd ever had.

Despite being wet, I could feel his tears against my cheek, his muffled sobs whispered into my ear, and I hugged him tighter. He had wanted me when I was a baby, he had wanted to take me and love me as I had deserved, but he knew in the end I would've hated him for being the death bringer for my own mother, and for that I loved him. It wasn't impossible to love someone you had never met and the two of us were living proof of that. We didn't need to say anything, because we both felt it, I know we did.

I heard him sigh before his warm face left the crook of my neck, leaving a kiss on my cheek. He stared into my eyes and then laughed; a glorious sound that was filled with joy and rightness. He kept his hands on my shoulders as he turned to Vendish, "for what you did today, I can never repay you enough my Prince. Below my mate, I trust you with my life, and I honor you for bringing home my kin, my wee one to me. I can never repay you..." tears filled his eyes and Vendish slapped a hand onto Guardwin's shoulder.

"Don't fret old friend. A simple thank you is enough, and I am pleased that you honor me," he winked at the King.

Guardwin nodded and cupped a hand to my cheek, "I am so glad you found your way home Jordan. You have no idea how much you mean to me boy, no idea."

I nodded, not knowing what to say. I felt five years old right about then, and however silly it sounds, I wanted to curl up on his lap and stay within his arms until I fell asleep. He radiated love, joy, and strength and it was rather obvious to me why he was King. He pulled me in for one more hug, somehow sensing the need for it, then stepped back and let me go.

"Alright, enough ninny talk. How about that water then? That was quite a show my boy!" Guardwin laughed and I had almost forgotten about the water. I turned around and studied it in silence, still reeling from the pull it had over me. Was this my Fae power, like Lucy had talked about, was this my other half?

"What am I?" I whispered to the liquid, but Guardwin answered for me, "that is yet to be seen. I am quite certain you will display other abilities as your blood is mixed with this and that. For the meantime, I will say this; the water sings to you in a powerful way my boy. So it is to be confirmed you have a calling there. Rather extraordinary that was and you seem to be a quick learner." He patted my back in approval and I grinned. His words meant a lot to me and it was strange to be so connected to him so quickly. Like Vendish, I felt as if he was just another part of me and I wondered if all the Fae would be that way around me.

"How do you feel Jordan? Are you tired or hungry? Maybe I should take you home..." Vendish fretted and again I smiled. I found that I liked the way he worried over me, being something that I wasn't used to as I was a rather independent sort, I actually really liked it.

"I am a little tired, and hungry definitely, but can we stay a little while longer? I like it here."

Guardwin chuckled, "I see that you two have that in common, as well as something else hmm?" The King raised a brow at Vendish, who blushed. The big guy actually blushed! Ha.

"I'm sorry, we haven't exactly had time to discuss that matter," he looked at me and then at the ground, "but I don't think now is the time, Jordan wants to explore a little more and uh...then we should be getting him home."

The realization of what they were referring to came to me. I glanced back at the water and then at Vendish, "go ahead and tell him. It's okay." I reassured him. Just because I wasn't ready to accept this Ghea thing, didn't mean he had to be completely miserable and hide it.

"Are you sure? You said earlier that you..." he tried and I waved a hand at him.

"I know what I said and it still stands for now, but I mean you can't just mope around because I said 'not right now'." I air quoted and he grinned. That seemed to please him and I couldn't help but smile back.

"Oh by the Great Mother, I know the two of you are Ghea. It is unnecessary to dance about it Vendish. Give him time and all will be right, you'll see," he winked at me and I raised a brow. Of course he knew, he was the King after all, and they knew that sort of stuff right? I wondered if he could smell it or see it or something. God, I am so out of my element here and I feel like an idiot. Smell it? Really Jordan?

I shook my head with a laugh, "okay maybe I am tired. Are you coming with us?" I looked at my grandfather.

He smiled, "not tonight I'm afraid. I just came when I heard Vendish call for help and I'm glad I did, but I have a very important meeting tonight," he frowned a little, "the leaders of the different species are gathering at the palace. We are to discuss what will be done about Lygos."

"The head hunter?" I cringed.

"Aye. He has gone too far this time. No one attacks my wee one and gets away with it. I put up with Meeka, because of the peace that was offered and it was the most foolish thing I have ever done. He seeks revenge for his sister by trying to eliminate you and I will not have it this time," he growled and the air around him hummed with power. Vines and branches cowered away into the dimming light and the earth vibrated under my feet.

"Whoa," I steadied myself and looked into his glowing teal eyes.

His eyes softened and he nodded, "you will never be harmed my boy. Not while the Fae hearts beat and the Great Mother looks down upon you." He smoothed his palm down my cheek, "I still cannot believe that you are here."




My Telija Ch. 02



I leaned into his touch and felt the love radiate through my skin. He was my family and he would protect me. Vendish turned away and I saw something close to hurt on his face. I stepped away from Guardwin, feeling slightly guilty that I was showing so much open affection towards him and not the man who claimed to love me so completely. He had been so careful not to upset me since I told him what I needed but maybe I had to give him something. Was it wrong to just want to fall into him with a care and for him to hold me even though I didn't know him? But see Jordan...you don't know the King either and you're just letting him touch you and hug you.

"Trust me when I say I can't believe I'm here either," I smiled, then yawned. I was beat.

"Oh Ven, take the poor boy home and let him rest. I am sure he has had quite a day." Guardwin laughed, "I will come visit with you tomorrow, if that that is alright...perhaps I could bring your grandmother?"

"Grandmother?" I had one of those too?

Guardwin chuckled, "well it does take two to make a family yes?"

I blushed. "Well yea, I guess. I'd like that."

"She will be so pleased to hear this," he clapped his hands and I felt Vendish's warmth behind me, a large hand caressed my dripping wet arm, "I really do have to go," the King glanced up, then smiled back at me, "duty calls wee one." He quickly kissed my forehead and winked.

"Sweet dreams my Jordan," and with that he blinked out of sight. No bright lights, no crazy noises, he was just gone.

I hadn't realized just how close Vendish was, until I leaned back into the warmth of his hard chest. Breathing through the fear, I gave in to guilt, and let him have this embrace to keep him going. His arms molded across my chest and his face buried into my neck. I pressed myself further into him, feeling something hard press into my back, and relaxed, not worrying about anything but his arms around me.

The air caressed my neck, causing me to shiver, and Vendish tilted my head to one side, burrowing his nose in my hair. Hearing a deep inhale from him, I sighed, loving the way he started to rub against me, with his hips slowly working into my back and his hands drifting down my arms to my hips.

This bond we shared was becoming more evident, because in the normal scheme of things, right now I would be considered 'easy', but I didn't seem to care. I smiled then gasped as the bigger man grabbed my hips and growled. My mouth delivered a loud moan to his ears, the wet fabric of our pants hiding nothing as he ground his erection into my backside.

"Home, now..." he growled and I nodded. Maybe not sex, but we both needed something. I wanted out of these wet clothes to feel his skin against mine, to explore the Ghea bond we shared, and to explore his delicious body. I wasn't telling him yes, but my body was screaming for him, it was almost painful.

Small giggles came from above us and I put my head back against Vendish's shoulder to look up as he sucked at my neck. In between gasps and moans, I made out the little blue pixies that floated around the canopy, watching us with delight. I thought about telling Vendish we had company, but then again he probably already knew, he was the Prince after all. I however, didn't want an audience, so I turned around in Ven's arms, maneuvering his hands from my hips, letting them settle around my waist.

"Take me home," I murmured deeply, then pulled his lips to mine.

****Jillian****

I had always been a terrible mother. I knew I would be the moment I saw the little plus sign on the strip, indicating a life was inside of me, a life that would serve to remind me of eternal pain. Crying for days, sobbing my life away, and locking myself in my bedroom for months was the way I dealt with everything. One day out of my life had changed my future, my bright happy plan that included a husband, family, and that little flower shop I had wanted to open.

Jameen had changed everything the moment he bought me that rose one summer night twenty three years ago. I had been on my way home from classes at the local college, hurrying along to get home and change for a party I was going to. On a whim, I smelled the most delicious aroma coming from the coffee cart a block from my house, and couldn't help myself.

Standing there waiting for the little man to give me my change, I turned and locked eyes with the gorgeous stranger perusing the selection of flowers next to me. His sad demeanor brightened in a matter of seconds and the smile that lit up his teal eyes was breathtaking. The coffee man in front of me seemed to understand and poured my change into my hand with a smile, pushing my coffee forward with a chuckle.

"Have a good night miss," the old man grinned and I nodded mindlessly, putting the change in the tip jar, and clutching my coffee in my shaky left hand.

As if by force, my feet treaded slowly towards the golden skinned stranger, his clothing bohemian and his long chestnut hair braided down his back. He was youthful and beautiful, effeminate in face, but strong in body. We stared at each other for the longest time, before he wordlessly took my free hand and placed the rose within it.

I brought the flower to my nose, deeply inhaling the sweet fragrance, and looking at him from under my lashes. My cheeks flushed as he stroked the side of my face in wonder, before linking his arm through mine and strolling down the sidewalk as if it had always been this way.

"Tell me your name, for you must have must the beautiful title in all the lands, and I would be honored but to hear it from your lips," he stopped at the corner and slid an arm around my waist. Nothing felt strange or wrong about him and his voice was like honey to my ears, beckoning me to him in a way that was not only carnal, but loving and warm.

"Jillian, my name...is Jillian," I whispered while he brought my hand to his lips.

"You are perfect my Jillian, absolutely everything about you is perfect," he breathed against my hand, rubbing it along his cheek, creating a silky friction between us.

"What is your name?" I shuddered as his lips brushed along my wrist.

"Jameen, but you can call me Jamie," he smiled and his eyes sparkled. It was then that I lost myself to him. It may have been my youthful thinking or because I was a dreamer, but I truly believed that there was a soul mate for everyone, and I also knew with all my heart that I had just found mine.

The next seven hours were ones that I will never forget, even when I was dead and gone, I would still remember he loved me. He talked of foreign lands and whimsical things that I thought were his vivid imagination, and his stories drew me in, like a bee to honey. I let him touch me, take me to highs of pleasure that night that I would never know again, taking my body as if we trading hearts, for I was his and he was mine.

He was a passionate lover, giving, and fiery in his element, bringing me to the edge and over time and time again. I remember laughing when during his climax, the windows flew open and the storm outside let wind and rain swirl about as if it was his doing. Never had I laughed and cried in joy so many times, never had I felt this loved.

I woke up sometime the next night, rolling over with greedy hands, seeking him for another round of pleasure, but he was gone. Sitting up, I cried his name, hoping to get a response, but instead received a frightening caw from a crow perched on the window sill. I threw on a robe and tore the house up, searching for him in a panic. Something was wrong and my heart felt like it was shredding. Where was my Jamie?

I ran into the street, calling his name over and over, and ending on my knees in tears at the end of the drive. Months went by after his disappearance and I had begun to shut down. The color in my eyes faded, my hair became limp and lifeless, and I lied in bed for days on end. I quit my classes over the phone, stopped hanging out with my friends, and took up my post in bed to waste away. My life was meaningless without him.

It was the night that I found out that I was pregnant, that they came. I was so tired and hurting, depressed beyond the definition, and I rocked back and forth on the floor of the living room. Cold air drifted through the cracks in the floor boards and I shuddered, adding to my world of darkness. I heard the whispers through my tears and thought I had finally lost the battle of my mind...this was it, the end for me.

Now lying bed, I stared at the face that had first appeared to me that cold night, the one person that had stayed, refusing to let me give up on the tiny life inside of me. Kimella or Aunt Kim as Jordan called her sat on the bed next to me, stroking my thinning hair away from my gaunt face, keeping a warm smile on her lips as if that would convince me I looked beautiful. I knew I looked sickly and the feeling of my life slipping away didn't help much either.

"Jilly you should eat something, you must be hungry," Kimella swept a stray snow white lock behind her ear, grabbing a cup of soup from the nightstand, "open up."

"No. I'm okay," I whispered, pausing her babying with a few fingers to her thigh, "I just need to sleep."

"You will never regain your strength if you refuse to eat anything Jilly. Think of Jordan, he needs you now more than ever. I fear what he will do if something happens to you, as he is still a wee one, and most likely will be powerful in his mixed heritage," Kim's eyes were full of pity and sentiment, sweeping over my thin figure under the blanket.

"He will be free now Kim, he can be who he needs to be, and not worry about me anymore. I'm nothing but a burden to him and I know he thinks I never wanted him, but it was always for his own good. I wanted him to be independent, so that when I...when..." tears rolled down my cheeks.

My baby was everything to me, but I could never tell him that, for he looked just like Jameen and the very thought broke me apart. Every day I 'faded', as the Fae called it, a little more and if I died, I didn't want him to mourn as I had done for his father. I am a terrible mother, I know, but I did it because I loved him and as insane as that sounds, it's the truth.

Today was the worst of all days, for I felt my insides shutting off, and my movements becoming slow and warped, even my speech was barely more than a whisper. Both Kimella and the healer June looked extremely worried, as if they thought they could hide this from me. Kimella had become like a sister, well as close I could get to another person emotionally in my state. Her daughter Lucy had been kind enough to watch over Jordan, taking note of all his whereabouts and watching him for any signs of Fae likeness.

I knew they had taken him this morning, taken him to see his grandfather where he would be safe from the danger. Kimella frowned and placed the cup back on the small side table; she rose and looked at me, then left the room with a sigh.

"June," I whispered, feeling my eyes grow tired. The healer leaned over, her long blonde hair waving over my stomach, "Jillian?" she smiled with many years behind her youthful eyes.

"Tell him I loved him, with everything I had left. Tell him I tried to be a good mother, but I don't blame him for hating me, " I took a deep breath, gripping the sheets with my frail fingers, "tell him I am proud of who he has become, and that I want him to be happy with who he is, who he was meant to be."

June frowned; realization dawning in her eyes, her hands softly touched either side of my face, a warm tingle running down my body. "Tell him he is beautiful and I'm sorry, tell him that..."

Something was happening, I grit my teeth as the pain fought against June's healing magic, my toes curled and my fists tightened into the bedding. I gasped for breath, watching June's panicked face from my limited view. Jamie, I could feel him everywhere, almost as if he was in the room, my heart leapt against my chest, and the tears flowed freely. Something was happening to my Jameen...evil, something evil.

A caw sounded from the window, while I struggled to breathe, my eyes landing on the black crow in the window. "Crow..." I choked in warning, it was evil and I knew it. June glanced over quickly, jumping to her feet and calling for Kim.

Her eyes widened as she went to the window, scaring the crow away, "Jameen?" she whispered in shock. I took one more breath and drifted away, leaving the pain behind me.

****Vendish****

In all my days amongst the Fae I had never truly understood what it meant to be mated. Sure, I would hear and see the others in their blissful companionships, but it seemed that the great mother did not have anyone in store for me. I hid behind a mask of stoicism and strength, pushing down all the need and loneliness every waking moment just to get by.

All that changed the second Jordan came to me. In all of one sunny day, he had become everything to me and more. At last I had found my other half and he was truly beautiful, more so than any other Fae being I had ever laid eyes upon and I thanked the mother for her gift to me. Jordan was an extraordinarily complex person, I understood that from the first five minutes of being with him, but he was kind and gentle above all else. I could see it in his eyes, hidden behind his justified fears and I hoped to assure him in every moment that I lived to please him.

I knew when I walked away from him in the field that he would come for me and call me what you will, but I needed to know for sure that he would want me back. As one to never have known love, it was tricky for my mind to let go and my heart to be assured that this was true, so maybe a childish play on Jordan's emotions seemed cruel, but I needed him to say how he truly felt, and oh did he ever.

But the most shocking event, despite everything else that had happened to date, was when the water came to him. You see, when a Fae is first born their abilities are determined, making them more pronounced as the years go on, but Jordan...well he was a phenomenon to say the least. The water called to him within seconds of being near the pool, mirroring his image and making its introductions. As I said, it normally takes years for a Fae to properly manifest their power, but Jordan took to it like the grass took to being green.

I was terrified as Jordan thrashed about, calling out for the King in my panic. Guardwin appeared by side, his eyes wide as he took in the sight before him, but he crossed his arms, confident that my mate would be alright. He was so sure, but I waded into the water, ready to grab my Telija, should I need to. In the end though, he was fine, actually more than fine with his ability. Well, maybe not mentally, but physically his body hummed with power that he didn't seem to be able to grasp. I sensed something else, maybe another power on the verge of emergence, but it seemed unique. I would watch him closely from now on, to monitor this strange unknown inside of him.

Our bond felt no different at least, maybe a little stronger, but that was to be expected from a mated pair, drawing on another as if they were the air the other breathed. My case was a little different though and every touch that Jordan shared with his grandfather made me jealous and pained. I should be happy for him, and I was, but I couldn't wave away the want for him to touch me like that. To even just hug me like he wanted it and not pull away from my lips on his forehead. I resigned myself to the fact that I would beg if I had too.

Being a Prince and a warrior made me very masculine indeed, but if it was my male pride or Jordan, it would be Jordan. His eyes caught onto mine and I turned away, so he wouldn't see the hurt in my face, and would enjoy the time he shared with Guardwin. Catching his frown out of the corner of my eye, I sighed and smiled, even if it is was not real, it was for him.

I moved behind him, so he couldn't see my face anymore and I could breathe normally, catching Guardwin's smiling glances my way. His pride was evident at our pairing, but I couldn't shake the doubts that were beginning to weasel their way into my heart. Maybe it was all a cosmic joke, a prank by fate for me to see what was mine, but never to actually have it. My heart sank, but I kept my smile up for the King and his beautiful grandson.

Guardwin bid us farewell, leaving another sweet kiss on Jordan's brow before he blinked out of sight and in that moment something snapped inside of me. It started as a simple caress down Jordan's wet arms, but soon became something possessive in nature. I caught a whiff of his scent, like clean air and the earth of Fae, all natural, all mine. My face nuzzled into his sexy dripping locks, inhaling that smell like I could never get enough, and truthfully I couldn't.

My hands slipped down his arms and grabbed his hips, trying to control my strength, being gentle instead of forceful. Jordan melted against me and I growled, loving his small body pressed into my larger chest. His body was perfectly lined against mine, soaking wet clothing clinging to each other, and my rock hard arousal housed in the small of his back as I ground into his shivering body.

He whimpered against me, totally unaware of his own voice, and I pulled his backside to me tighter, my hands on his hips digging into his flesh. I wanted to make him aware of what he did to me, how hard he made me. Jordan started to roll his hips, up and down my length, and I growled into his neck, sucking on the skin there, but refraining from breaking it.

I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted our coupling to be in my bed, on my sheets, in the protection of my home. "Home...now..." my command was forceful, but Jordan didn't mind, lost in the feel of our pleasure.

He turned, using what strength he had to pull my hands from his hips, letting my arms go around his waist as he faced me, "take me home Vendish."

His voice was strangled, those teal eyes burning with need, and his hand wrapped around the back of my head. He crushed our lips together and I wanted to scream with pleasure. My hand wound in his hair and I hiked his leg around me with my other hand. He climbed like an animal up my hips, locking his lean legs around my waist, and sucking on my tongue.

I pulled back, breathing raggedly, holding his pliable globes in my palms. He put his forehead to mine, hot air coursed from his mouth with an uneven rhythm against my lips. Summoning my powers, the wind that answered was warm and soothing, as I thought of home. The pond and its surroundings dissolved as the wind of the earth transported us to my bedroom, the place where we would finish what we started.

Jordan's hands tightened around my neck as the transport dissipated, revealing my private quarters. I kept him glued to me, when I sensed another presence behind me. Turning quickly, pushing Jordan's face into my neck, I saw Luciana first. She fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face, and then I saw Kimella. Her presence said everything I needed to know, for Kimella rarely came to the Fae lands anymore.

Jordan struggled out of my grasp, his eyes searching for the reason behind my shock, "Aunt Kim?" his voice sounded like that of a child as he made sense of their faces.

"My Lord," Kimella swept a tear from under her eye and bowed her head at me, ignoring Jordan's eyes, "My father and the others will be here shortly."

"Look at me!" Jordan screamed. He was scared and he had every reason to be. "What happened? Why are you here?"

"Jordan maybe you should just sit down for a while, I'll make you some tea," she stopped stroking Luciana's hair and rose.

"No! Tell me Kim, please..." he sobbed and I wrapped my arms around him. He pressed into me, squeezing my arms, holding on for dear life.




My Telija Ch. 02



Kimella took a deep breath and started to cry, "she faded Jordan. Jillian faded and..."

"No. No. No. Noooo!" He screamed and went limp in my arms. His cries sounded like a wounded animal and my heart broke as I slid to the ground, scooping him into my lap.

"Telija...just breathe....just keep breathing..." I whispered, rocking him back and forth.

"There is more..." Kimella kneeled in front of us.

"What more could there possibly be Kimella?" My eyes widened. I didn't want to know, not if it would break my mate's heart further.

"Jameen..." she started but seemed just as confused as I was.

"He what Kimella?" I tightened my grip on my beloved.

"He set the house on fire. He killed all the guards. He...He...tried to kill me and June. I'm his sister..." she shook her head and finally broke down completely.

"He did what?" Jordan's voice was like a smoky hiss, as if a demon was crawling out of his mouth. His head rose from my chest, his face turned from me, and Kimella screamed, scampering away in blatant fear. Slowly I turned his face to me and took in a sharp breath as I came to face to face with the blackest eyes I had ever seen.



My Telija Ch. 03



~~~Jameen~~~

Glacial drops of water rained onto my head from the ceiling of my cavern cell. The rhythmic spattering keeping me focused while searing pain coursed through my body. My daily ritual of flexing my fingers and gritting my teeth did nothing to abate this hellish torture that attempted to split my soul in two. No, it only got worse. So much so, that the groans I had promised myself I would never give 'them' the chance to hear; finally left my throat.

The guttural sounds echoed off the walls of this cave-like prison, signaling I had finally given them what they wanted, which I was sure was my complete and utter despair. Every day the separation grew more intense, leaving me weaker, powerless, a failure to my people, and to my love. I rotted away in this dank, shadowy cave, year after year; I became less of a person and more of a body in which they took from. My captors, Lygos and his mistress, of whom I called the Cloak, were the epitome of devilry, nothing more than mindless whores for power.

In the beginning of my stay here, I had tried to escape, using what power I had left after the initial attack against me, to try and flee my confines. But in the end, it was of no use, and I learned that their black magic was stronger in numbers against me. There were no plans to flee anymore, no one was coming to my rescue, and little by little I lost my faith in the Great Mother. Why would she allow this to be? Why would she let my Jillian die? Why would she never let me know the boy that was my own flesh and blood?

The Mother was everything to the world, but suddenly, she became nothing to me. This great and powerful deity, that held every scrap of life in her ancient hands, made no move to help her own child. I had been her warrior, a protector and provider for her people, my heart and soul were with her always, and yet she denied me now. As a warrior, I had been dignified and proud, but now I was hopeless and nothing more than skin and bones. The tears fell and the last of my manhood slipped into the dark void where my heart used to be.

Weeping was beneath what came from me as the pain stopped. I broke apart screaming and writhing, my wrists were raw from the animalistic thrashing. I felt my Jillian's soul begin to leave this earth, lost to me forever. The mist infused manacles clanked violently away from the rock wall and I howled at the shadowy barrier that sealed this end of the cavern.

Where are you Great One? Why have you forsaken me! I fell to my knees, threw back my head, and screamed the cry of a lost soul. Just kill me! Please! I begged for her to answer me, whisper in my ear, or send me a sign that this was all a mistake. What have I done to deserve this life? A warm breeze stole my hoarse cries, settling around me with the strangest sense of security.

My eyes widened and I whipped my head around the dim earthy room, looking for something out of place. Surely after all this time, it could not be her. The warmth grew stronger, relaxing my shaking body until I was leaning back against the wall.

"Are you there?" I breathed, afraid of what I would hear.

Small footprints appeared in the earth, walking towards me. I held my breath and clutched my knees to my chest. The imprints on the dirty cave floor stopped at my toes. Warm air, in the form of invisible fingers, ran down my cheek and over my drying tears.

A chilling whisper came next to my ear, "Never question the creator of the grass and the sun. Never ponder whether your Mother loves you and watches over you. Your pain is my pain, your heart is my heart, and I carry it with me always. To walk the earth is a gift of which I have given you and I make no mistakes. Things must happen for a reason my child, even if the journey to your answers is a burden you don't think you can bare. Have faith in yourself and you shall have faith in me. Show me my warrior and I will give you her light."

"What does that mean?" I answered frantically, searching the air for her with my aching fingers.

Something like a kiss was pressed between my eyes, a heated tingle left on my skin. Be strong my son. All the heat that had built within my confines vanished, replaced with the dreary cold yet again. I flinched at the abrupt change and the footfalls of heavy boots nearing. Taking a deep breath, I stretched, cracking my spine, and rolling my neck. I remained on the floor with my legs in front of me, letting my arms hang at my sides.

The wall of mist parted, creating an opening for Lygos and his cloaked consort. He studied me for a few moments as I looked into the black slits of his eyes. I had seen some Fae that would be considered comparable to a nightmare, but never had I seen a being so ugly. Lygos was completely hairless, his face nothing more than skin pulled tight over ill-sculpted bone. His cheeks were hollow with a flat swine reminiscent nose centering his face. In short he was disgusting, and when he pulled his chapped lips back, showcasing his decaying teeth with a grin, my stomach rolled, the non-existent contents threatening to come up.

"This is rich," Lygos bellowed, the sound vibrating around the flesh of his pudgy belly.

"The Prince of Fae with tears running down his cheeks like a fucking babe. What happened to...What was it darling?" He turned with a smile to the darkness behind him.

"Oh, yes I remember now. 'You'll never break me, you pig faced bastard'," Lygos ended with a wicked cackle. "What do you say now little babe?" The ogre of a man crouched to my eye level, his leather pants squeaking under his displaced weight.

"Do you remember what I said when I first brought you here, Jameen of Fae?" He cocked his head waiting for my reply, but I didn't answer him.

"Let me refresh your memory then. I believe I said that when I broke you, I would show you the torment you caused me when you killed my sister," He licked his grimy teeth.

I couldn't stand him or his accusations any longer and I jumped at him, landing on my feet in a crouch like a feral cat. Maybe I had no power and I was of a human standard at this point, but I couldn't give in to him...I just couldn't. My body was on fire, the countless beatings and daily surges of 'separation anxiety' having taken their toll. I stood fast though, never flinching as he brought his face within inches of mine.

"Your sister was greedy. Although her death was not by my hand, I am not sorry for what my people did to her. She abused her gift for power, not to protect those weaker than her. The shadows are created of the darkness, but with the right person, and a pure heart, they can be tamed. She was never going to change and the Fae court knew that. She would never be that right person. Her mind was set on the destruction of my people and I could not stand at her side a minute longer. I hated her and even still, I hate her now..." I seethed.

He slapped me with the back of his hand and blood filled my mouth. I spit it out and hissed like the animal I had become. We stood off, my chains still binding me to the wall, with only the slightest bit of slack to work with.

"Enough," Cloak's raspy voice haunted our ears. She was in glamour. That much I knew to be true. Her voice was not the one she was born with, but then again nothing about her was all that met the eye. Even though I was powerless, I still recognized her as Fae, and more importantly a traitor to our kind.

Thick yards of folded velvet flowed across the floor, the slithering sound as she crossed the dirt made me shudder. Her covering was equivalent to something out of a gothic fairy tale, dark greens fading into black, and shimmering like a snake as she passed the lone torch in my cell. The train of her hooded cloak splayed around her small figure, making the garment all the more eerie. One would have the impression that if the hood was pulled off, the face of darkness itself would stare back at you.  

Crimson painted lips were visible as she motioned Lygos away from me, "You are so broken little one." A lone, onyx lacquered nail scraped gently down my jaw. "And now that you have given up, I have my way into your mind and body."

What is she talking about? My eyes were questioning and she noticed, grasping my chin in her painted clutches, and turning me to face her, "I will remember this moment for the rest of my days. When I sit on the throne of Fae and watch you all suffer at my feet, I will remember this look on your face with joy in my heart."

With her free hand, she pulled the hood back, letting her glamour slip away. NO! This isn't real, she's...It can't be...

"Traitor..." I whispered in shock, all this time, it was her.

"You cannot be a traitor to someone you never served," She laughed, her voice smooth now, melodic even.

"Skeenji..." It was the only word that I could think of. That's why they had waited all this time, not to kill me, or use my powers, but to use my body as a puppet and gain access into Fae under their control. This was bad, worse than anything I could have imagined.

"At least you have some intelligence left over after all these years. Now, look into my eyes Jameen..." Her voice soft and inviting, her hands cupped either side of my face.

"No, please," It was the last thing I remembered saying of my own accord, before she took over my body, and I was left to cower in the dark, within the farthest corner of my mind.

~~~Vendish~~~

Jordan was growling in my arms, his back arched with his nails digging into my sides. The sharp pain was nothing to me, my concern for my beloved superseding all else around me. I held him around the waist, keeping his thrashing to a minimum, while his growling turned to small whimpers.

"Hold on my love," I begged, clutching him to me while lifting his weight to stand.

"Vendish! What are you doing?" Kimella shrieked, still put off by the shadows. I did not care for her sudden prejudice or her nearness. She was becoming more of an irritation than anything. Lucy wiped her eyes on her arm. She took a deep breath and pushed her mother out of the room, slamming the door in her face.

"Tell me what you need my Lord," She bowed slightly and I nodded.

"I think the water will help him some. While I tend to him, have Rosie make something to eat, and make sure that the King and the other leaders are taken care of when they arrive. Call in others of the court if you need any help. For now, I want no one in this room, not even Guardwin himself. Am I clear Luciana?" I narrowed my eyes and Jordan groaned, the shadows moving down his face to his chest. Hang on my Telija, please...

"Yes, my Lord," Lucy lifted her head from a short bow. "Please take care of him. We may not get a long all the time, but he is my best friend, and like a brother to me."

"He is my mate Luciana, I will care for him the best I know how, for he is the most precious thing in the world to me," I spared her not another word and took my love into the bath room.

Prismatic glass shimmered from above as the last of the fading sun swept over the horizon. My bath was large enough to be considered a small pool, with natural stone and crystals forming the basin. Water filled into the bath the moment I set Jordan onto the floor, his powers subconsciously being called forth. I ripped his wet clothing from his body, gasping at the sight before me.

While his body was smooth and perfect, that was not the reason for my shock. The shadows formed on his skin, stilling their movements into thick tribal patterns around his arms and chest. Vibrant blue vines twisted in between each ribbon of black before finally stopping altogether. Jordan's eyes faded from black to teal, his body going limp under my fingers.

I was quickly becoming a mess, watching his transformation into something unknown. There wasn't much I could do for him, except to stay near and comfort him. I know he needed me as much as I needed him, and my thoughts were confirmed when his thin fingers brushed my hand, searching for me. Bending down, I laid a kiss upon his brow, smoothing his damp hair away from his face.

"If you can hear me Jordan, I'm just going to remove these wet clothes, and put you in the water. Don't try and move alright?" His fingers reached towards my face and I cupped his hand with mine.

"Everything is going to be alright, don't worry my Telija." The bath had filled and a light steam rose from the water.

I unbuckled Jordan's belt and gently tugged his slacks down his legs, avoiding staring at his groin in his helpless state. He whimpered and tried to turn on his side, to hide his naked body from me in shame. Stroking his side in encouragement, I leaned down and whispered in his ear, "You are beautiful Jordan, but now is not the time for that. I just want to take care of you and put you in the bath. Please let me do this."

My hand moved from his side, stroking over his belly in slow circles until finally he lay on his back. I smiled and pulled his soaking wet socks from his feet, tossing them into the corner, before moving back up to his briefs. Staring into his eyes to distract him, my fingers hooked into the band of material and pulled down.

Jordan swallowed and his bottom lip trembled, but he didn't pull away. I sat back on my heels to pull the remaining garment off him completely, sighing at his new tattoos. What did this mean? Was he the master of the shadows now and if so, where was his staff? Meeka had a staff, but it disappeared when she died. Jordan tapped my hand, my train of thought lost.

Despite my stress over Jordan, I put on a mask that included a gentle smile to lift him under his back and knees. His body weighed nothing in my arms as I carried him a few feet to the bath. I placed him in the water and for the first time in what seemed an eternity, he sighed with relief. Jordan floated on the surface, like a leaf floated on a lake, and he seemed perfectly at ease. Even if he could speak at the moment, he didn't. He just relaxed and let his body recover.

The water lapped at him soothingly while I began to strip out of my wet clothing. His eyes were shut, so I didn't worry about his reaction to what I was doing. With my clothes around my feet, I took a deep breath and joined Jordan in the bath. He startled, swishing his arms around, teal eyes searching for the source of disturbance. I sat down in the water directly behind him and pulled him to me.

"Vendish?" He turned in my embrace, his eyed wide.

I smiled and cupped his face, "How are you feeling?" Jordan flustered, trying his hardest not to look down. Obviously he was conflicted with the fact that we were both entirely nude, but I on the other hand, had no problem with it whatsoever.

"I...um...don't know," His eyes roamed my bare chest, flicking back up to my face with a blush.

I grabbed his arm and raised it in front of his face, waiting for him to see his markings and maybe distract him in the process.

"What the hell?" His eyes bugged, making him look even more inhuman. He flipped his arm this way and that. Jordan raised his other arm, giving it the same treatment as the first.

"What is this Vendish? Oh my God, what's happening to me?" The last words were muffled as he broke into tears and buried his face in my chest. "My mom is gone...She's gone..."

My heart raced for him, not because he clung to me naked, but because he was so upset. I rocked him gently, watching the water around us start to rise in tiny beads. He had no idea what he was doing with the water, and I didn't say anything, he would figure it out in time. The little droplets filled the air, attaching themselves to his skin like small kisses. They spread out along his body and connected, causing Jordan to sit up straight and gasp.

It was the last sound he made as the droplets covered his skin completely and he broke apart in a splash of liquid. I sat back and watched while Jordan turned into water with a smile. It was like a parent watching their wee one walk for the first time. He emerged from the bath whole once more, completely stunned and no longer crying.

"Okay whoever the fuck is up there you listen to me!" He shouted at the ceiling. "Just stop it! I can't handle it anymore. I'm tired, I'm pissed off, and I've got black stripes growing on me, so if you could just lay the hell off for a while that would be great!" He turned to me, "Do I say amen or something?"

My lips drew tight to hold back the laugh I wanted to answer him with. I shook my head instead and he sighed heavily, falling back against me. He seemed to have gotten over our state of undress and nuzzled under my chin.

"Jordan, look at me..." I whispered into his ear. His ocean like eyes stared at me and I sighed at his beauty. "I want you to know that I am so sorry about your mother's passing, that I am here for you in any way you need, and that together we will get through this." I stroked a thumb over his lips.

He nodded, "You aren't gonna leave me right? I mean you'll help me with this?" He motioned at his arms and chest. I nodded and pulled him to me.

"It would take the destruction of the earth to keep me from you my Telija," His face was inches from mine and he straddled my lap. "Like I said, I will help you in any way I can."

"Will they go away, theses marks?" He asked and I shook my head.

"I think they are permanent, as are most Fae markings," I kissed his forehead. "You should be proud to be marked. It is a great honor from the Mother herself."

"I don't think so Ven. When I was out, all I could feel was pain, like I was being burned alive. All I could think of was how angry I was, how he hurt her, and how she's gone. Something inside of me is alive and it wants out. Tell me why the Mother of the earth would give me something so...evil."

This was new territory for me. It was the first time that I did not possess a sure answer for him. With my education on Fae culture, I figured that I had the upper hand, enough information to keep him safe and share with him what he needed to know. And yet here I was, feeling helpless while he suffered.

I stroked his back, "May I be honest with you?"

"Please..." He gripped my shoulder, his face begging me.

"I've never seen markings like these in all my life or in any of our historical references. Jordan, I do not know what they mean exactly, but I do know that they are shadow based. When you were 'transitioning' shall we say, the shadows were dancing along your skin, so that much we can say for sure. What's even stranger is that no one in your family has ever possessed them, actually no one since Meeka has ever controlled the shadows. Before her it had been thousands of years since anyone had heard of them." I shook my head and looked away.

Jordan turned my face to meet his gaze, "Be straight with me Vendish, am I going to be evil now? Like Meeka? Will I lose control and hurt someone?"

My eyes narrowed and I pulled him flush with my chest, our groins pressed against one another, "You will never be evil my love. Your heart it too pure and the shadows can be controlled. I will not let you lose yourself within them. You are too precious to me to let go."

Jordan trembled in my embrace, his lip quivered, and a tear slipped out of the corner of his eye. He laid his head on my shoulder and I just held him. He was so overwhelmed, it was all too much, and I cried inside that it had to be this way. No one should ever have to know a day like this.

"What about my Dad? What are they gonna do about him?" Jordan whispered.

Jamie was like a brother to me. We had been born but days apart, forever at each others side. In battle, in friendship, in life we were connected. Yet, now I was divided. Here was my mate, my best friend's son, mourning because Jamie had left him, only to reappear and attack his own kind? No. Something was wrong, it had to be. Jameen would never hurt his sister. Never would he kill our men, who were his friends and family. It had to be a trick.




My Telija Ch. 03



"Vendish?" Jordan sat up, his fingers slipping through the damp ends of my hair.

"They will find him Jordan. I don't pretend to know what is going on, but my instincts lead me to believe, we have been fooled all along where your father is concerned. Do you believe after meeting Guardwin; that any son of his would just leave his mate behind? No. Jameen was a role model to our kind. He was a strong warrior yes, but his heart was bigger than any others. He longed to find his mate, to have wee ones of his own, and to think for a second that he would willingly walk away from all of that is insane.

He was my best friend Jordan. I knew him better than anyone alive and when he disappeared it took everything I had not to lose my mind. The first time I ever saw you, I broke down. You look so much like him, it's eerie, even more so as a babe. Those big teal eyes stared at me and I wondered, why? Why would he leave something so precious, so beautiful that it makes my heart ache? The answer I believe we both know to be, is that he wouldn't, not if he could help it." I swallowed back tears.

"Then why has no one gone after him before? Why did you not try to find him Ven?" Jordan grit his teeth, his grief exhausting him thoroughly.

"We did try, year after year. We looked everywhere, sent scouts all over the world, but nothing ever turned up. It was as if he vanished," I sighed, working the back of his neck in a gentle massage.

"He's back though?" He looked uneasy and I couldn't blame him.

"It would seem so" I brushed some hair off his neck, he needed to relax, he was so tense I could feel him about ready to snap. "Turn around, lean against me."

He raised a brow, but did as I told him. His back melted into my chest and I ran my fingers through his hair, starting at his forehead and sweeping it back to his neck. I took my time, rubbing the pads of my fingers against his scalp, feeling his head wobble underneath my hands as his muscles began to ease.

I lowered my hands to his neck, kneading his muscles all the way down to his shoulders. His breathing was evening out, his head went back to lie under my chin, and he shut his eyes. I took great pride in the fact that I was comforting him, being able to take care of my mate as he should be. I bent my head to the side of his neck and kissed him slowly. My kiss was tender and sensual, not aggressive.

In his state, he was not ready for what a mating truly involved, but I would give him what he needed. He needed to be loved, to know that he was important, and that his pleasure gave me pleasure.

"Will you let me touch you Telija?" I brought my hand over his shoulder, gliding it down his chest.

Jordan stretched against me like a cat and bared his neck further, allowing me access to his delicious collarbone, "Yes." It was barely a breath, but I heard his reply.

My other hand slipped around his slim waist, moving over every curve and inch of his stomach. It was flat and smooth, boyish, but not. His body was something to explore, he was a man yes, but I preferred his smaller figure to my more dominant one. Everything about him in my embrace fit perfectly as he was my other half.

His breath rushed out of him as both my hands stopped over his small pink nipples, teasing them with my larger fingers. I rubbed the hardened nubs in circles, leisurely deepening my touch into his skin until he whimpered. The water rippled as he rubbed against me, his backside working my lap intensively. Jordan had my member hard between his cheeks, trapping it between our warm bodies, surrounded by the water.

My palms lay flat, traveling to lower territory on his body, and bypassing his erection. I teased him just a little, sliding my hands up and down his thighs until he pouted with a huff. I chuckled giving his shoulder a soft kiss before he leaned back and settled down.

"I want to touch you there my love, but I don't want you angry with me for taking advantage of your grief. Never would I do such a thing and I only want to help ease your pain. Mates enjoy close contact when they are upset, because it comforts them. Do you understand?"

His small hand grabbed my own off his leg, pressing onto his erection and squeezing. My palm now held him tightly and he sighed, ending in a shudder, "I won't hate you Ven. I just...I need this right now okay? Just please..."

I kissed his neck, sucking lightly, while I started to stroke him. His member was perfect, the swollen head peaking out over my fist, disappearing as I pulled up. The tempo with my hand was unhurried, feeling him out for any sign of distress. Jordan just sat there, content and practically purring against my chest.

"Is this alright my love?" I murmured against his skin.

"So good...," He spoke softly and surprised me by draping his open legs over mine, tilting his head back over my shoulder.

Squeezing gently, I twisted my hand around his shaft, quickening my pace a little. His chest began to rise and fall faster, his slender fingers digging into my arms. What's more is his power started to manifest, the water around us glowing a clear blue with his rapture. I ground my own length into his slick backside, feeling him roll his hips back to me. He was close to bursting and was frenzied in his need for release. My own needs could be held off, because this was for my mate, for his comfort not mine.

He came with a wordless exclamation, his mouth formed in a perfect 'o'. His eyes glittered with passion and his grip on my arms released, his hands falling into the water while tiny tremors ran their course. I rubbed Jordan's arms, keeping him from slinking into the fading glow of water surrounding us.

"Telija? Are you feeling better?" I asked after some minutes had ticked by.

"Yeah, thanks," He ducked his face away from me and untangled his legs from mine. Rising out of the water, he almost tripped trying to get out the bath, in his hurry to get away from me. I will not deny that it hurt my heart. I had tried my best to make him comfortable around me, and had failed miserably.

He looked around and yanked a towel from the rack, wrapping it around himself, and fleeing from the bathroom. I sat there in the water, trying to think of what to do next, but every possible task escaped me. He didn't want me. It was only this connection we shared causing him to do so. Yes, I understood his trauma and what today had been like for him, but I couldn't shake this growing doubt inside of me.

Was there something wrong with me? Was I doing this mating incorrectly? I hung my head, watching my inky hair wisp through the water around me. Thinking of mates brought my Mother and Father to mind. They were the epitome of a perfect pair and I envied that with all my heart. I wanted to come home after my duties with the warriors to see Jordan waiting for me. I wanted to share in his growth as a Fae and be there to soothe his troubles away, but in this moment, I couldn't see it.

Everything about our beginning had been horrible for him and I couldn't blame him for not wanting a reminder of it. I was currently that reminder to him and I turned my head away from the open door to hide my unshed tears. I sighed and wiped my face, then got out of the bath. Drying myself I looked out the window, to see Fae Court Guards in place around the house. Guardwin and the others were most definitely here.

Jordan would not be up for their company tonight, but I might as well make an appearance. I needed to find out what else had happened and if there was anything I needed to do. I slipped on some black linen pants and a red tunic, slicking my hair back with a leather chord. Rummaging through my wardrobe, I came across a gold tunic that Jordan could wear to sleep in.

I walked into my bed chamber to find Jordan sitting at the table by the fire with Rosie holding a bowl out to him. Rosie, Mother bless her, was the head Dwarf of my household. Like all Dwarfs, she cared for the needs of all occupants of the house, not because they were made too, but because they loved too. It gave a Dwarf great pleasure to care for others and the entire species were very much appreciated and adored among the Fae.

Rosie tried again to push the bowl of soup across the table, her nose barely level with the wood slab. Her fiery red ringlets glinted next to the glowing hearth and her cerulean eyes shone with love for her newest house member. She was the definition of a mother hen and I bit back a smile when she put her hand on her hip and screwed up her button nose.

"Ya gots ta' eat wee one, a full belly equals a happy heart," She pushed the bowl back towards my mate, who slumped in his chair and pushed the bowl back to her.

"Oh thas' it! Ya either eat it, or I feed ya me self. I'm not about to get blamed for ya starvin' to death. What would ya mate say about that? Prolly throw me in a pit somewhere's an let the Yukah feed on me bones. I like me bones, thank ya very much." She narrowed her eyes, her loving sparkle still there, and pushed the bowl back to him.

"Fine," Jordan sighed. He picked up the spoon and slowly dipped it in the bowl. My mate turned back to Rosie. "Are you really gonna stand there and watch me eat."

"Every last bite," She nodded and climbed onto the chair next to him. "So, I think ya wonderin' what I am, yea?"

Jordan took a spoonful to his lips and closed his eyes, savoring the taste of Rosie's legendary cooking. He opened his eyes with a small grin and nodded, "I guess I just thought you were a...um...little person?"

Rosie's shrill laughter lit up the room, "Little person eh? Well that would be correct, but it ain't all I am. I'm a Dwarf and the woman of the house. So if ya ever need a thing, you let me know." She wiggled in her chair, sitting up proudly and I smiled, crossing my arms and leaning against the door.

"A Dwarf? So you're not Fae then?" Jordan took another bite of soup.

"Of course I'm Fae, silly wee one. All of us here is Fae, there is just different kinds. To say you is Fae, is like saying you were human, many types of humans, but all human. Ya understand what I'm sayin?" She smoothed her colorful patchwork skirt.

"I think so. I remember Vendish saying something about there being twelve types of Fae," He broke a piece of bread away from the loaf on the table.

"Aye, twelve in all, but a lot of mixed breeding and new lines...But that's a conversation for another time. Eat ya food and we'll get ya to bed. Ya look tired," She patted his hand with her tiny one and hopped off her chair.

"Hey Rosie?" Jordan turned in his seat and I slipped against the wall just inside the bathroom.

"Yea?"

"Can I ask you something?" His voice was hushed.

"Anything wee one."

"Do you think...I mean...Do you really believe he did it?" Jordan's voice trembled and I palmed the wall to keep from running to him.

"Does me think ya Father a muderer?" Her tone was even. "No. I don't."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. At least I wasn't the only one who felt that way. Jameen was a touchy subject to bring up in the Court and I kept my opinions to myself.

"Ya Father was a brilliant man. Kind and charitable he was, and never for a second have I thought he left because he wanted to."

"Do you think he felt her go? I mean, did it hurt him?" Jordan started to cry, I could hear it in his voice, but I stood still because he needed to talk to her. Rosie was good like that; getting others to tell her things, and making them feel at ease.

"I have no doubt that ya Father felt every last second of her passin'. Mates are connected by the soul and when one is ripped away, the other knows it. He's most likely mad with grief, but don't let that make ya mind up about him. He'd never hurt us or you."

"You need some sleep Jordan. Finish up and climb on in," I heard the rustle of my heavy covers, followed by the clink of a spoon and bowl.

"Where's Vendish?" Jordan asked.

I exhaled and grabbed the gold tunic off the counter, "Right here. I was just finishing up and finding you something to wear to bed. Here." I approached the massive bed, sticking the garment out to him awkwardly.

"Uh thanks," He gave me a funny look and slipped the tunic over his head, pulling the towel out from underneath. I turned away because he looked exsquisite in gold, and the blue embroidery brought out his eyes.

"It's nothing. Rosie...would you mind staying with Jordan while I'm gone?" I eyed her and the tiny woman rolled her eyes.

"Not a problem Vendish, don't be gone to long. It's yamate's first night and all," She scowled at me, making me very aware of the scolding I would receive later.

"He'll...uh...be fine," I didn't meet his eye, but I could see him slipping out of bed. "I have to go."

Oh Mother! I wanted to touch him so badly, to hold him in our bed, to let him sleep cuddled against me. But the truth was, he was already stressed out, and he didn't need me as much as I had hoped. I was doomed.

A hand startled me and I looked into questioning teal eyes, "Where are you going?"

I sighed, stepping a pace back from him, "I have things to attend to. The leaders are here and I am sure they'll want a word with me."

He frowned, noticing I distanced myself, and wrapped his arms around his chest, "Yeah sure. Whatever."

"Okay! What is goin on now? Ya two are mates, not whiny little babes. You are not going anywhere," She pointed a finger at me. "I'll tell the King o' Fae me self, that ya couldn't make it. So sit ya arse down and get comfortable." Her tiny hand patted the space on the other side of the bed from Jordan.

Only my closest of friends would ever dare talk to me like that, and Rosie was part of that group unfortunately. Well, maybe just in this moment it was unfortunate, for I had no escape from this awkward entrapment.

"Rosie, the King is waiting..." I tried and she rounded the bed and smacked my legs with a rag until I backed up onto the bed. Jordan started to laugh, the sound like a drug to me. I stared at him and still he giggled, until he too was propped against the intricately carved headboard.

"No more I say! Another peep Vendish and I will cut off ya hair while ya sleep. Ya understand ya foolish man?" Her accent thickening as she scolded me. I nodded, pulling the covers over my legs in protection. "Good. I'll tell Guardwin that the both of ya's was too tired to come to the table. Ah! Not a word..." She backed out of the room as I opened my mouth to respond.

She slammed the door shut and I heard her little boots run down the hall at full speed. For a small woman, she was eerily fast. I folded my hands in my lap and looked into the fire. I couldn't look at him right now. I didn't feel like being rejected in this moment. Suddenly I was not a man, a warrior, or a prince. No. I felt like I was a teenager waiting for the other boy to crush my heart and pull back from my first kiss in horror.

"What's wrong with you? You're acting weird..." Jordan whispered, he clutched the covers to him, almost as if he was embarrassed. Why would he be ashamed? I was the one who did something wrong. Didn't I? Oh...What do I do?

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was," Finally I looked at him, only to see his face hidden in his hands, his knees drawn up. See? I couldn't even say anything right! He just cried at the drop of a hat.

"I don't know what to do for you Jordan...I am so sorry that I am not what you wanted, I am sorry that you have had the worst day of your life, and I guess tomorrow you will want to move in with Guardwin at the palace. I understand now..." Sucking in a deep breath, I moved off the bed and grabbed a small blanket from the side table.

"What?" He screeched and shot up to his knees, tears wet on his face. "You're leaving me?"

"Isn't that why you are so upset? Because I touched you in your time of need? I knew I shouldn't have done it, oh Great Mother Jordan forgive me," I dropped to my knees and cried. "I am a terrible person, I have failed you my Telija!"

He scrambled off the bed, his bare legs a blur as he shot towards me. Jordan landed with a thud on his knees in front of me, his arms locking around my neck as he crawled into my lap. "You can't leave me, please. I'm sorry I ran out earlier. It's just that I'm so lost here Ven. When you made me feel the way you did, it was so much. I thought I was going to explode out of my skin and it scared me to death how much I liked it. I felt guilty that there I was getting off with you when my mother just died. You did nothing wrong, it was me, it was all me."

"Do you want to know what the worst part is?" He quivered in my lap, our eyes finally meeting. "After I thought about her death a little more, I wondered why I was so upset. Why am I mourning for someone that didn't even want to look at me, or touch me, someone who acted like I was the plague? Sure she called and gave me the rare pat on the back, but it was just to survive. Aunt Kim was more of a mother to me, than my own ever was. I am the terrible person, not you, because I'm almost relieved that she's done suffering. Never again will I have to look into her lifeless face and think...Is this all my fault? Does she even care that I'm here? Does she love me at all? So you see Vendish, it's me you do want to be with. You deserve better than me..."

~~~Jordan~~~

I was going to be sick. He looked back at me with his unnatural green eyes and I just knew that he was going to reject me. How could he not? Here I was telling him that I'm pretty sure I was glad my Mother was dead and hoping there was a small part of him that wanted to still be my mate. Yeah right Jordan. Now you're just fucking nuts. He probably had a perfect upbringing and would think all Mother's were worthy of love. Mine though had had her very soul sucked away from her, resulting in the neglect of her own child.

It was selfish of me to say such things, but it was the way I felt, and people grieve in different ways. Honestly, I would be more upset if he told me to leave him, than about my Mother passing. This bond between us pulled me to him in ways that I couldn't understand and I knew with certainty that if I left, I might as well just throw myself off a cliff. Love was not on the menu right now, there was no way I could commit myself with those words yet, but it was pretty clear we belonged together.

The fact that I had made the Prince of Fae cry, broke me inside, and I felt my new friends slithering to the surface. My skin was hot and my body shook, the emotions rising to the forefront. Maybe that was what triggered my other half, anger, or sadness...Something brought them out, and I needed to figure it out fast before I accidentally pulled some voodoo power out on Ven. That was the last thing I needed right now.

"You don't want to leave?" He gulped, a large hand palming the small of my back.

Sweat broke out on my forehead and my hands ached to roam his body, to feel his heart beat so it would calm my own, "No. Please don't go Ven. I need you here with me. I can't do this on my own."

"Telija..." He pulled my face to his and kissed me. It wasn't sweet or gentle. It was full of fire, sending heat throughout my entire body. Vendish pulled my body tight against his when I opened my mouth to let him in. His tongue lapped at mine, sucking it into his mouth, before letting me take over. I craved him something fierce, tasting him for all he was worth, letting his all natural sugary flavor roll across my taste buds. His hands gripped me harder, making sure I didn't escape, while his mouth made love to mine.

My back felt cool, almost wet, a fine mist spraying from all directions, but I didn't care about that now. My powers would have to wait, because Vendish was all I wanted in this moment. He made me feel better, my heart ached less, the void being filled with his arms around me. Someone cared for me, he cared so much, that he cried because he touched me. I made him feel like a failure, worthless, and it was time I made up for that. He had done nothing but guide me softly all day, taking into account all my needs, and protecting me from everything he could. I just wanted him near me, forever?




My Telija Ch. 03



It was at this point that he pulled back, looking down at my brand new erection, and I blushed remembering I didn't have anything under the linen shirt that hung to my knees,

"We should get you to bed."

"Right," I smirked. Surprising even myself, I reached up and kissed him softly, "Thank you."

His mouth parted a little, his eyes shining with adoration, "No. Thank you."

"Okay, no more mushy stuff right now. I just want to go to bed and pass out for the next twenty four hours," I yawned.

Vendish smiled and pulled us up. He stood with me wrapped around his waist. His long strides had us bumped against the bed in no time, and he let me slide down his body until my feet hit the ground, "You are all wet again, as am I."

"Sorry," I dropped my gaze.

He lifted my chin with a finger, "There is nothing to be sorry about. It happens to all of us from time to time, although Rosie might not like the mess." I looked to where we had been sitting and a large circular puddle caught my eye. Both of us were damp again and I shivered at how cold and irritating this was getting.

Vendish chuckled and turned around, "Take off the tunic and get in bed, I will not look I promise."

"Are you serious? What are you five? You just gave me a hand job in the bath tub and you want to give me privacy?" I busted out laughing, "Ven, you can turn around." I grinned and threw the wet tunic at his feet. He grumbled something and looked over his shoulder before stripping off his own tunic. I blushed and turned away, the sight of his hard golden body making want to eat him alive.

"Giving me privacy?" He chuckled and threw his pants at my head, pulling the covers over his legs and hips. "I'm just teasing you Jordan."

"Sure you are," I rolled my eyes and flopped back onto the bed. The sheets were soft against my skin, the covers nice and thick, as I burrowed within their warmth. I could definitely get used to this bed. The minute my head hit the silk covered pillow, my eyes began to drift shut.

"Sweet dreams my Telija," Vendish's heavy rumble came to my ear. His muscled form wrapped around my side, his thick arm went around my bare waist, and his long leg snuggled in between mine. I sighed. This is what heaven must feel like.

~~~~~~~

After yesterday, I had figured I already had seen the most shocking highlights of Fae. I was wrong. Rosie placed a bowl of what seemed to be oatmeal with fruit in front of me with a smile. Her wide blue eyes looked around the table with a warning glare at the others, who either shook their heads or snorted. Vendish sat to my side, darting his gaze around the table then back to me, measuring my reaction.

I kept my mouth shut, only opening it to stick a bite of breakfast inside. The leaders of Fae had spent the night, a 'Fae slumber party' apparently. Although, I doubted these particular Fae painted each other's nails and braided their hair. The thought alone had me choking on my oatmeal. Vendish slapped my back, horror on his face.

Clearing my throat I waved him off and decided to end the big game of staring at each other, "So, I'm Jordan, as you probably already know. I figured I'd introduce myself, seeing as how none of you wanted to go first."

Vendish's eyes went wide. A small choked sound came from his mouth, "Jordan..." He hissed and I smiled.

"No, he's right," Guardwin mused with a twinkling eye, "I have been a terrible guest, my apologies wee one." He nodded and I nodded back, was that what I supposed to do?

Vendish rubbed the spot between his eyes and his shoulders slumped. The poor guy was stressed out to his limit. Full blown exhaustion was fast approaching. Without even thinking, I stretched my arm and rubbed his back in small circles. Guardwin smiled wider, obviously pleased with my interaction with Ven. I rolled my eyes, turning to see Vendish leaned back against my hand, his eyes partially closed. Finally, the man started to relax...Hallelujah!

I wasn't about to deal with this on my own and most certainly not with a giant stress ball at my side. The creature next to me leaned in and sniffed, causing me to practically jump into Ven's lap. Vendish's eyes snapped open, his hand shot out and grabbed the thing by the face, "Mine." He growled and the creature blinked, pulling out of Ven's harsh grasp.

"Forgive me Prince," The creature's hiss returned. "He smells so good, I could not resist. My intentions were not of harm. The Prince's mate is safe amongst us." He bowed his scaled head and I shuddered.

His scales were black, but when they caught the light, they shimmered with blues, greens, and purples. They were actually quite beautiful like the colors of a peacock, but in many tiny reflective pieces, almost like a mosaic. A giant lizard is what he really looked like, but in more of a human form. Black eyes blinked at me and I raised a brow, "Jordan." I stuck my hand out.

He hesitated and I shot Ven a glare. Lizard man slowly extended his scaled fingers, his nails a shimmery silver, "Sena." Our fingers connected and his skin was surprisingly smooth. I would have thought with all the scales his skin would be rougher, but that was not the case.

A small smile birthed on his face with tiny sharp teeth glowing white against his dark skin. I think he was pleased that I would touch him without fear. Maybe I made a friend after all. I gently took my hand back and he nodded. Guardwin cleared his throat and cocked his head at Ven, who when I turned to look at, was glaring like his eyes were weapons.

I slapped his chest playfully, causing him to look at me, "You good?" My irritation was quite evident.

"Yes," He snapped his head back to the others and my eyes questioned Guardwin. He sighed heavily.

"I think we'll get this over with then. You've met Sena, the leader of the Yukah. And this is..."

"Hold up! This guy is a Yukah?" I hitched a thumb in Sena's direction, "The creature everyone is afraid of?"

Every being at the table stiffened, their eyes trained on Sena, "That's ridiculous. I thought this lot was all like peace and love and blah fucking blah. Now you're telling me that you're eating breakfast with the source of your nightmares? That's such bullshit. Look at your faces! I mean God, it's a wonder you don't have caution tape wrapped around him," I shook my head in disgust. He might look like a lizard, but I could tell he was a lot more gentle mannered than everyone said.

"He is a monster!" A woman with long golden hair scooted out of her chair. "Just this fall he and his others ate a wee one wandering home from the palace."

I stood, I had no idea why I had to defend this creature, but I did, "You look here Rapunzel , unless you actually saw him," I nodded my head to Sena, "take a child and put it in his mouth, eat him whole, and spit out the bones....you're full of shit. Did you ever think the kid went to the other side? Maybe got taken by a hunter." Gasps filled the table.

"Maybe he found his mate in the mortal realm..."

"Yeah good lot that did your Father...Bloody doomed us all," The giant of a man sitting next to Guardwin rose, his bare chest covered in dark hair, his face lined in a full beard, and his yellow eyes narrowed.

"Don't you dare!" I roared and threw my bowl across the room. My temperature skyrocketed and my lungs felt like I was breathing fire. Everyone scraped their chairs and backed away from the table. "My Father loved my Mother you piece of shit. He didn't have a choice..." The shadows wisped out from under my gauzy tunic, wrapping around my body like dancing arms of inky smoke.

"Telija noooo!" Vendish pulled me to his chest, holding me tight, "Let it go, just breathe, and let it go. He didn't mean it. He didn't know..."

My teeth were clicked together tightly and I took deep inhales from my nose, letting them go slowly through my teeth. The shadows started to creep back under my shirt and my temperature went from blazing to hot.

Vendish brought both of us to the ground, rocking me back and forth until I started to breathe normally. I looked up to see Guardwin and Sena, kneeling in front me, both of them concerned. A rush of cool air engulfed me, Vendish's hands splayed over my chest. The wind cooled my skin, taking my headache away, and I relaxed into his chest.

"Jordan? Can you hear me?" He whispered. I nodded my head.

"I'm fine. I'll be okay... Can I have some water?" My throat was dry. My voice sounded hoarse.

Sena jumped to his feet and returned seconds later with a glass of cold water. I downed the contents and put the glass on the ground. Much better. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"Non-sense, don't apologize. Brutus should have known better than to provoke you," Guardwin shot an angry glare to the wolf man in the corner. The giant crossed his arms with a huff and turned away.

It was then that a searing pain shot through my wrist and I cried out, bringing my arm to my eyes. Everyone gathered around went wide eyed, as a black and blue pattern began to form like spun lace around my wrist. A roar filled my head. The sound of flapping wings flitted through my mind. Yellow eyes, fire, shadows...Make it stop! As abruptly as it began, the pain ceased, along with the evil slideshow.

"It cannot be, he is the...." Sena hissed, his black eyes searching the mark on my wrist.

Vendish's large hand took my wrist, turning it over to get a better look. A large blue stone was delicately drawn onto my skin, intertwined with tiny black vines, overlapping over and over until it formed a tattooed bracelet.

"Jordan, this marking only means one thing." I turned to look at him. "You have been deemed the Master of Shadows."

~~~~~~

Lucy and Daega sat with me to the side of the stream. All the Fae were gathered in the woods to perform what they called the 'Rahn Ji', or the Death Celebration. Daega sat on my shoulder, her tiny fingers braiding a lock of my hair, her touch soothing. Lucy moved her feet back and forth in the cool rush of water, her silver eyes raking over me in concern.

"Are you gonna be okay Jordy?" Her hand squeezed mine.

"I don't know Lu. Everything is happening so fast," I murmured.

"After the ceremony things will be better. All Fae, even half, enjoy the festivities. It helps us gain closure and refreshes us for a new day." Her fingers stroked my arm, over my tattoos, and down to my new marking before squeezing it in reassurance.

"I hope so. I need a break from my life," I snorted.

"You are doing so well wee one. For all that has passed in such a short time, your strength shines," Daega sang in my ear and I smiled.

"Yeah not to mention your loooovvveee...." Lucy teased and I batted her arm.

"Knock it off hoe!" I laughed and she busted out in a giggle.

"I've missed you," She tackled me to the ground, her wings fluttering, as we wrestled. She gasped and fell into the water, sputtering her way back to the surface with a gasp. "Oh it's on lover boy!"

"Better run Lu..." My best maniacal laugh was followed by water spraying from my fingers as I chased her through the trees, Daega soaring in and out of the tall oaks above us. It felt so good, to run and play, to be a kid for just a minute and take my mind off all that had happened. I smiled as other pixies giggled and zipped around us as if joining the game, their multicolored glows creating a rainbow of lights around the forest.

I caught Lucy by the shoulder, misting her with water. She laughed, "I'm it now, so start running Jordy!"

My feet took off, pounding the ground with the soft leather of my ankle boots. She started closing in, a light stream of water hitting me in the head, followed by her shrill giggle. I spotted Ven as I neared the stream again, a smile on his face. "Don't let her catch me!" I laughed as I ran past him. He bellowed a chuckle and raised his hands just as Lucy sprayed water from her hands. The water turned to ice in mid air, as Ven's wind wrapped around it.

"Hey!" She pouted, but kept on running. I peeked over my shoulder to see where Vendish was, but in doing so ran smack into someone. I fell on my ass and started to stand and apologize.

I glanced up as Lucy came to a halt next to me and gasped, "Oh Gran, I am so sorry! He didn't see you there. It was an accident."

The woman in front of me had ankle length black hair, a silver streak through the front, and silver eyes. A silky blue cape was tied around her neck. It moved in the breeze, giving you the briefest look at her slender bare feet.

"Will you be quiet Luciana? That pitch gives me a headache," She relayed with distaste.

"I'm sorry Gran," Lu bowed her head whispering.

"And you must be the half breed I keep hearing about, the reason why my Kimella abandoned her people," She raised a brow and I swallowed. Oh, I did not like this broad.

"I think what Aunt Kim did was very compassionate. You should feel lucky to have such a caring daughter," I replied, feeling familiar arms snake around my waist.

"That excuse for Fae is not my daughter. My son left her because he finally grew a pair and realized she was not of worth. Besides they weren't Ghea, and thank the Mother for that," She smiled.

"Well it's nice to see you Rain," Vendish rumbled.

She slid her gaze from toe to head and raised a brow, "You as well Prince. I see you have found your Ghea in another man." She snorted, "Your mother will be pleased." She laughed.

"Actually I've already spoken to her and she is over the moon, as is my Father," I could hear the pride in his voice.

"Pity," Rain clucked her tongue. "Come Luciana. Running around like a child is not becoming of a true lady."

"But I just..." Lu hung her head.

"Did you just sass me girl?" Rain's face twisted in hatred.

"No Gran, never," She whispered.

"That's what I thought." Rain's lips formed a smug smile, her silver eyes narrowed like a cat that caught its prey.

I had had enough of this bitch talking to my Lu like that, "Excuse me." I snapped my fingers in her face to get her attention.

"Jordan..." Ven warned and grabbed my hand away from her shocked face.

"Why are you talking to her like that? What the hell is wrong with you people? She is not a dog. She is a person, a great and amazing person at that. If you don't like her, then fuck off," I shrugged out of Ven's embrace and put my hands on my hips. Come on bitch, bring it on.

Her jaw dropped, "You filthy little mongrel! I should drown you where you stand for talking to me like that." Her eyes went dark and she raised her hands.

"If you touch my mate...I will kill you." Ven was between me and Cruella so fast, I hadn't even seen him move. His hand was wrapped around her throat while her arms flailed to her sides. "Do you understand me water Fae? Kill you!"

He dropped her to the ground and grabbed me and Lucy by the arms, dragging us back to the crowd of Fae. No one seemed to care that Rain had just about lost her life. In fact, the others seemed smug about it. Well hell, who wouldn't?

"Thanks," I stroked his arm when we stopped just outside the large crowd gathered. He hugged Lu to his side and kissed her head, then did the same to me.

"Luciana is like the annoying little sister I never had and Rain is just a thorn in my side. I was more than happy to remove it for the time being, but you need to stop picking fights with the Leaders," He warned.

"She's a Leader?" I scoffed.

"Of the Water Fae no less," He put a finger to my chest.

"Well hell...I didn't know, but still she's a..."

"And no more of that mouth. Great Mother, where did you learn to speak like that?"

Lucy laughed, "The humans are very creative! There was this one time I could hear him from his bedroom, he screamed..."

"Lucy!" I was going to throttle her.

"Okay okay, geez, I was just playing," She bit her lip. No she wasn't.

Vendish looked between us, shaking his head, "You two will be my death."

Guardwin parted through the crowd, leading a gorgeous blonde towards us. Her hair hit just past her chest, falling in soft waves, and was pulled back one side with red and black roses. Small pieces of black netting poked out from the flowers, forming a dark yet beautiful headpiece. Her lips were painted crimson, accenting her porcelain skin, and sky blue eyes. She was slender, with curvy hips that were prominent in the red dress she wore.

Guardwin matched her, wearing black leather pants, and an open faced black tunic with red embroidery. The woman stopped when she was a few feet from us and covered her mouth, tears in her eyes.

"My baby!" She cried and ran to me, pulling my body into her arms.

"Orla! Give him a minute darling," Guardwin tried to pull her off of me, but she wasn't letting go.

"Oh my wee one, oh my little baby," She cried and stroked my hair, kissing every available inch of skin on my face. Orla pulled back, her hands still gripping my shoulders.

"Jordan, this is your Grandmother Orla, the Queen of Fae," Guardwin chuckled.

She too was youthful like Guardwin, but her eyes were wise and filled with things I had yet to experience. Tears rained down her fair skin. Finally I sighed and hugged her back. Why not? She was a match to Guardwin in every way, radiating that love and warmth that he held. She cooed in my ear, her slender arms going back to my hair, and holding me close.

"You are so beautiful, so handsome. I have imagined many times what you looked like and here you are; a vision in my eyes. There are no words to express how much I truly love you my Jordan..." Orla whispered and I squeezed her tight. Every time I heard those words it calmed my aching heart. Years of going without that simple phrase will do a number on your mind, and my new family was quickly making up for lost time.

She let go of me and Guardwin handed her a small white handkerchief, "Thank you darling. Look at me, such a mess. Forgive me Jordan, the last few days have been trying and to see you here now, just make's it all worth it." She dabbed at her eyes with the cloth.

"It's alright. I don't mind, honestly," I smiled and she swooned.

"He is such a gentlemen Guard. He is so perfect. Our baby is home," She kissed him and he laughed.

"Indeed he is my Queen," He kissed the side of her neck tenderly and heat crept over her cheeks. "We need to get started though, the sun is setting, and they are about to start the fire."

"Of course darling," She wrapped Lu under her arm and kissed her head. Lucy radiated under Orla's touch, getting the affection she deserved from her other Gran. Ven pulled me along and we followed them into the crowd. They had formed a circle around a large pile of wood that would be the bonfire.

Five people stood around the timber holding torches and waiting for the ceremony to begin. As sad as the reason for us being here was, I couldn't help but be fascinated by it all. For the first time in my life, I felt a part of something, connected to the people that surrounded me. Then there was the guilt that weaseled in, telling me I should be upset that I was at my Mother's funeral.

Ven seemed to sense my inner turmoil and hugged me close, kissing my cheek. I squeezed his arm that was slung around my chest and watched Guardwin and Orla step forward. Lucy and Kimella were standing next to us. Kimella hugged Lu close and they too watched.

"Creatures of Fae, we gather here tonight under the protection of the Mother, and the watch of the woods, to say good bye to our loved ones." Every species began to kneel and I looked around, feeling Vendish push my shoulders down to kneel.

Guardwin continued, "Tonight we honor the souls that perished unto the darkness. Let the Mother take them into her arms and plant them unto the earth so that they may grow tall amongst the trees and watch over us eternally." He nodded his head and the five men around the timber touched their torches to the bottom, starting the fire.




My Telija Ch. 03



Hundreds of pixies flooded the canopy of the trees, creating a whimsical galaxy of color. They danced and twinkled above us like stars in the night. "From ashes they are reborn and we celebrate their lives as only Fae can do!" He shouted into the air and everyone cheered. "Come forth and set them free," He cried.

Aunt Kim turned to me with sad eyes and pulled a small glittering jar from her coat. She handed it over and I took it with confusion. "Go and set her free Jordan. It's time to let her go," She choked and I understood.

I turned to see other people approaching the fire. They had to be the families of the guards who died and I took a deep breath. Ven stroked my back, "I'll be right here Telija. You can do this."

I looked between the two of them and caught Lu giving me a thumbs up. Despite the mood right now, I couldn't help but smirk and she probably knew I needed to break the tension. Damn you Lu. Standing up in front of hundreds of non-human creatures that knew who you were, was harder than I thought. Every step I took towards the fire felt like another layer of who I am, was stripped away with their eyes. But this wasn't about them. This was about me and my Mother, and how I needed to let go of the selfish hatred I had been feeling. None of this was her fault and it was time I admitted that. She had to have loved me, even if she couldn't say it, deep down I knew she did. I unscrewed the jar of grey dust, with heavy fingers, not even realizing I had been crying until now.

This was the last time I would touch her, even as morbid as that sounds, this dust was the last piece of her I had. The thought crossed my mind to just run away with it. Take the jar and put it somewhere safe, but then logic set it in, and told me that was nuts. I took the last step towards the raging inferno, standing side by side with the others. Their expressions mirrored mine as they too unscrewed the lids to their jars.

My Grandparents stood by and watched me carefully, ready for the worst incase I fucked this up. Orla started to speak in the Fae tongue, a prayer like melody from her lips, and the words calmed me as the others slowly tossed the ashes into the fire one by one. Every time a jar was set free, roaring colors filled the flames, and ashes like stars filling the air. They hung there, growing brighter as the second to last jar was tossed.

Finally, it was my turn and I let loose a fresh set of tears, "Goodbye Mom." I whispered and tossed the jar into the fire. I fell to my knees and started to wail. God this hurt. Letting go sucked and I didn't think I could really do it. I watched in anguish as the fire swirled with colors, something different starting to happen. I heard gasps and shocked cries around me, but I just stayed on my knees, watching the fire grow larger.

It turned to a dark magenta, the star like ashes in the air glowing white, and getting larger until it was almost blinding. Wind swept through the forest, howling it's warning to all that listened, but I didn't care. My Mother was dead and it finally hit me.

The lights erupted until all I could see was white. I covered my eyes with my arm, hearing the screaming, possibly even Vendish calling for me. Then it was suddenly over. The ashes faded into nothing but dust and fell to the ground, the fire ceased to exist. In its place were charred remains of timber, cooling grey dust, and a burnt circle in the ground. In the middle of all that though, was something no one could have imagined.

A woman curled up in the fetal position stirred. Her silvery dress splayed around her body like water and glowing blonde hair covered her face, with white laced wings folded together, and protruding from her back. I wiped my eyes and crawled forward, using my power to douse the hot coals that threatened to burn my hands. She started to roll over with a feminine groan, her hair slipping away from her face.

Reaching her finally, I stayed on my knees at her side, and began to pull the slippery blonde strands away from her eyes. Words failed me when her face was revealed to me. It took me a few deep breaths to form the one word that would mean the most. Her hand enclosed on mine, her eyes shimmering with moisture, "Mom?"



My Telija Ch. 04



Quick thanks to Domi for looking this over and thanks to Tat for reading as usual. Sorry about the spaced out postings, but life has been extremely busy as of late, and I haven't had as much time to devote to writing as I would like.

In between postings, check out my blog for another story I've been working on. The link can be found on my profile.

Thanks~

NightTempest

~~~~Cellan~~~~

I could smell the smoke wafting through the trees from the fire and feel the power radiating from the ashes that served to return our lost souls to the Mother. As much as I wanted to attend the Rahn Ji, other orders kept me away, and as far as I was concerned, they were more important. A war had begun between the Fae and the hunters, a war that served to end everything we knew and had worked for. Being the second in command to Vendish put me at the top in his absence, and I would not fail my people now.

My friend's mate needed him and I was more than happy to investigate the appearance of Jameen and the hunters. The old prince had finally returned, with---from what I heard--- a show stopping entrance. The rumors had to be false though. The Jameen I knew and loved as a brother; would never put his family in harm's way. All of the Fae army had different views on the matter, some keeping their opinions hidden, and other's shouting their views from the rooftops. As of late, the ratio of good votes to bad seemed to be on equal footing, but ever since the rumors began to circulate yesterday, the bad started to outweigh the good.

Pushing on through the black oaks of the Yukah woods, my men fanned out behind me, sticking close, but forming a protective line against unwanted sources. The Yukah, while being on quiet terms with the rest of Fae, were still formidable opponents and viewed as the black sheep amongst every species. Jameen in his time as prince was the only Fae to ever reach out to the scaled beasts, bringing them dwarf made potions to heal their sick or fresh fruit from the markets in the summer. He even went so far as to save the life of their leader Sena from execution by the royal court.

They had become friends and allies, which was completely misunderstood by the other species in their prejudice. I almost wished Sena would agree to help us in our quest to find Jameen, but I believed the leader thought we wished him harm and would never aid us on a death mission. Of course he wouldn't believe me, when I told him his accusations were unjust; that we just wished to locate him and find out the truth. I grunted and rolled my eyes, Lizards...

My dark feet hit muck, telling me we had reached the bog where the Yukah claimed to have sensed a strange presence. Holding up a hand, I heard the soft halt of the others behind me, and crouched down. This place was a spot of avoidance amongst us all. Even the creatures that lived in the darkest of the dark did not come here. 

"Cellan, I do not like this," Quimm whispered behind me, "you know what dwells here and yet you wish to travel onward? You are mad. Even Vendish would not be so bold."

I turned to the red eyed Anifae, his pupils glowing bright, even in the cover of the fog that surrounded us, "are you afraid Quimm? The son of the great Brutus is a scared weakling?" My fangs descended with a grin and the stars on my skin shot across my limbs.

Quimm growled, "I would be a fool not to admit my fears here. You saw what those things did to the King!" He hissed, "Do you wish the same fate my brother? Do you wish for the darkness to crawl inside of you?"

"I have no fear of the darkness Quimm, for I am made of it," My tone was calm and deadly, labeling me the warrior I was, "next time the prince calls for a quest, I will remember to take a few braver souls with me. For it seems I made the mistake of bringing a pack of pups that wet themselves at the first sign of danger."

Quimm growled and Jambi ducked down into our huddle under the fog, "Quit flapping your tongue Cell and tell your men what you want to do. The newlings are getting under my skin. Shaking like little leafs and hiding behind the trees they is." The muscled black warrior rolled his glacial blue eyes. "You know this would be a lot easier if the lizard beast had come along. He knows this area better than most."

"Would you come on a quest to capture your friend with a bunch of Fae that you thought hated you and called you lizard beast?" I shook my head.

"Well that's what he is, ain't he? Good Mother, didn't take him to be such a little girly." Jambi chuckled and palmed his jeweled dagger. "Did you hear that?" His thin pointed ears twitched and fanned out, searching for a noise I could not hear.

Our last three warriors crawled up next to us, weapons at hand. The youngest of just nineteen years pointed his blade silently across the bog, making us all turn our heads slowly. My eyes widened and my breath rolled out of my mouth in a shocked wisp. The tree in the middle of the bog started to lean forwards slowly, it's great black leaves and dark blue vines reaching out to the small patch of land we huddled upon. 

"Mother be with us," Jambi breathed, kissing his fingers and touching the ground in a show of faith as the tree's foliage docked onto land. 

The great black oak was now bent into a crescent moon over the muddy waters, forming a bridge to something glowing at the other end. I looked at the other members of my party, finding many similar expressions to mine. Knowing what was under the bog, was enough to make me leery of what I was about to do. But on the other hand, the curiosity was eating me alive. I stood, making myself known to the outside world above the fog.

"You are crazy Cellan!" Quimm rose behind me and grabbed my arm, "surely you know that if you cross that tree, those things will eat you alive!" He whispered fiercely, his nails biting into my celestial skin. 

"Then stay here," I replied matter-of-factly, wrenching my arm out of his large hand.

"Oh no you don't, you aren't going over there by yourself. A few shadow creatures eating me will be better than what Vendish does to me if you die alone. If you go, we all go," Quimm nodded and I turned to see the rest of my warriors nod or grunt.

"Oh come on, have a sense of adventure will you?" I grinned and unsheathed my white metal blade from my belt. Tiptoeing over the leaves of the oak, I set one foot on the trunk, feeling the slippery Kulong moss and bog mud on the soles of my feet. "Be careful," I commanded behind me and began a strategic walk across the wide tree.

The contents of the bog gurgled and steamed underneath us, sending the fog rolling upwards at our feet, with every small shift in the water. I concentrated on my task, settling my eyes on the prize only two yards away. The glow was dissipating, making the object of light dark once more. Squinting in the night, I finally ended my journey, settling both feet on the flat base of the tree. 

"A little light Cell?" Jambi came to stand next to me. 

"Of course," I muttered and stuck out my arm, watching a tiny star flit from my chest, down my arm, and into my palm. The star grew until it was the size of an apple, glowing enough to see in the dark, but enough to attract attention.

"By the Great Mother," someone gasped, when the object was revealed.

"That is the...But she is dead, how is this possible?" Quimm leaned forward with a finger to poke the object, but Jambi grabbed his arm.

"Do not touch it. You are not its master," The black warrior pulled Quimm away.

"Is that really what I think it is?" The youngest warrior looked at me, hesitation in his eyes.

"Yes newling. This," I held my hand up to showcase the object with light, "is the Staff of Shadows."

~~~~Jordan~~~~

"Mom?" I ran a hand over her smooth cheek in awe. Did I die? Was that what all the light was about? Have I gone to the...nether? 

"Jordan?" Her voice was light and soothing like a sweet summer rain, the sound comforting me while I transcended to my new reality. "Oh Jordan..." She sat up while wings the color of fresh snow fluttered behind her, rippling the silver fabric of her dress.

A soft hand mimicked mine, brushing away endless tears on my face, but not the confusion in my mind. What was happening? How was she here? We had to be dead.

"Are you real?" I breathed, scooting closer over the cooling ashes just to be nearer to her.

"I...I think so," she blinked a few times, patting her body as if to make sure she was solid. "Yes, I believe I am."

"So you're not...really dead? They told me you were..." our legs touched, allowing me to feel the heat flowing off her body, solidifying our theory. She was alive, very much so.

My mom smiled and her green eyes lit up like the brightest patch of clover, "it was like a dream. At first there was pain and then it was just gone. Everything is kind of fuzzy, but I remember her, I remember everything about her. She was so beautiful..." Mom's eyes hazed over in a daze.

"Who's her?" I leaned forward, placing a hand on her knee.

"I would like to know as well," Guardwin crawled forward slowly, sitting beside us, and it was then that I noticed the tight circle of Fae standing around us with shock in their eyes.

I could feel a body behind me and I turned to see Vendish on his knees inches from my back. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders, "Jillian." He bowed his head over my shoulder and she smiled softly.

"I remember you Vendish," she nodded, looking from me to Ven with understanding.

Guardwin touched her shoulder to make sure she wasn't a vision and she jumped away in surprise, a hand over her heart, "Oh, you are..." she swallowed and gripped her dress with her free hand.

"It's okay mom. This is...this is...I don't know what to say," I looked down, hearing her take a deep breath.

"You are Guardwin," she finished for me, knowing that I was trying not to cause her pain. If I looked like my dad, then Guardwin was his reincarnation, and a double whammy to her broken heart.

"Yes," he took her nervous hand and kissed it, "how are you here Jillian? What did you see?"

The crowd leaned forward with bated breath, all waiting to hear of this miraculous re-birth. My mom shifted her eyes a few times and settled on me as if seeing my face gave her strength. "She said he needed me. She said that I would bring him back from the dark and to fight the evil inside him, I must be his light." Mom glanced back at Guardwin as if that was the most normal conclusion she had ever heard.

"Who is she Jillian? Who told you this? And who is this he you speak of?" Orla wrapped an arm around her mate, pure excitement in her voice.

Mom ran a hand over the earth lovingly, a smile playing on her lips like a child, "the Mother of course."

A collective gasp resounded, followed by a flurry of whispers. Orla and Guardwin looked to each other in shock, "The she you saw was the Great Mother? You saw her Jillian?" The King turned her chin to face him, doubt on his face.

"Yes of course it was her. I know it was real!" Mom was getting overwhelmed, her defensiveness attempting to shield her from the looks the Fae were directing at her claims. "She sent me back to help him. Why would you doubt that? Look at me for crying out loud! I have wings..." she buried her face in her hands and started to cry.

"I think that's enough for now," I finally pulled my mother to me and hugged her against my chest. The minute our bodies connected, I shivered. It was like something was trying to invade my body---not in a bad way---but a searching feeling, it was looking for something.

"Don't you feel that Jordan? This is the most extraordinary thing any of us have ever seen! A human granted life as a Fae through death! My own son's Ghea! She has seen the Mother Jordan... No one in our history has ever seen her in person." Orla started to cry, a smile of joy on her face. "This is beyond anything we know. First you come back to us and now Jillian. Something big is happening here!"

I didn't have any answers and apparently neither did they. I'll admit I was as curious about my mother as any of them, but right now we were both overwhelmed. I was touching my mother and she didn't flinch away. My mother was holding me like I was precious to her. It was a lot to take in, and on top of that, all of Fae was here to witness it. Feeling as if their circle was closing in on us, my breath picked up and I tightened my grip on mom. She buried her face under my chin, her fingers digging into my back. Vendish stroked my arms, before running a hand through mom's hair in comfort.

"Well that might be, but right now I think it's best if everyone gives Jillian some space to breathe. I believe we have festivities to resume do we not?" Vendish saved me from having to respond. "We must continue to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our safety."

I leaned back into his strong chest and breathed in his purely male scent. Between him holding me and my mother showing me affection for the first time, I was in heaven. Kimella stepped forward and kneeled before us. "Let me take her for a while. I think she should rest and have June take a look at her... Jordan, please?" 

Five minutes didn't seem like enough. I had waited all my life to have this moment, but I could see where Aunt Kim was coming from. What if something was wrong with her and I kept her from getting the attention she needed? I would never forgive myself.

Gazing into Kimella's eyes, I knew my mother would be safe, "Mom?"

My mother looked up at me and nodded, "Okay," she touched my face one more time and kissed my cheek. "I love you," she whispered in my ear before she pulled away.

Never had those words meant more to me than in that moment. To hear her finally say the one sentence I had longed to hear my entire life was indescribable. My heart danced in my chest, my eyes watered all over again, and Vendish tightened his grip around my shoulders. 

"I will make sure that we visit her before you sleep tonight," he whispered in my ear and kissed my neck. "She will be in the best of care my love."

"I'll be fine Jordan. I am a bit tired," mom got to her feet with the help of Kimella. "You'll come by later though?" 

"We will come by after the festivities. Go. Get some rest Jillian," Vendish pulled us to standing with his muscled arms. She smiled, looking between me and Vendish. 

A blissful look in her eyes, "Alright then, Kim?" Mom turned with her hair whipping around her like a veil as she spun on her heel, "I'm ready to go." 

Aunt Kim wrapped a lean arm around mom's shoulders, stroking her hair softly, "Come on Jilly let's have June take a look at you." The crowd parted silently, creating a path out of the clearing to the darkening woods. Pixies lit the way above, creating a safe passage for their departure. June gave her mate a kiss and with a quick wave to her family and friends, hurried after the departing duo.

~~~~~

Fae of every kind danced and ran in out and out of the trees that were shimmering with tiny stars. The Night Fae fed the thick purple trunks that ran into the sky with their celestial magic, winding lines of twinkling white lights through the woods. The dwarves set up tables of meats and fruits as far as the eye could see, their little bodies scurried about, tending after the children, and rolling out barrels of wine. 

Lu and I had been to the carnival once when we were little with Aunt Kim, but that was no comparison to this magical event unfolding before me. The Rahn Ji, was not a funeral at all. It truly was a celebration. Not even at Christmas had I seen so many lights and in the woods no less. It was a fairy tale come to life. Ann exquisite masterpiece of beauty full of food, laughter and beings only told about in childhood stories. 

The crackle and roar of numerous fire pits, the jingle of stringed coins around hips, and the beckoning of soul entrancing music fell upon me like a spell. I had been reluctant to attend the celebration, claiming my mother did need me, but Vendish had set me straight. 

"Sit with me?" He gently took my hand in his and lowered us to the soft earth. "Tell me what is rolling about in that head of yours. I would rather you get it out and enjoy this time together, than for you to wallow alone." 

"Am I a freak Ven?" I looked at him, "I know I'm like royalty or whatever, but do you think they'll really accept me? Being the son of a supposed traitor and the master of shadows doesn't exactly gain me any points." 

"Telija," he put a finger under my chin and tapped it with a smile. "They do not hate you in the least. They are just set in their ways and you are definitely a different path. One in which they cannot help but want to follow. This scares them, for the unknown is a bit frightful is it not?"

"You're right," I sighed.

"It will take time for complete acceptance, but know you are not a...freak as you say. You are beautiful and unique. Anyone that says otherwise is jealous," he chuckled and I bit my lip. Every time he called me beautiful, I could feel his sincerity. My hand drifted over his on my knee and I smiled at him. 

He seemed a bit startled at the gesture, but wrapped his hand in mine, giving it a good squeeze, "I mean it my Telija, every word."

Ven brushed my hair out my eyes and pressed a kiss to my forehead. His lips were warm against my skin, his kiss just what I seemed to need. A finger tapping my knee made me jump and I looked into wide brown eyes. A tiny girl that was all of three feet tall smiled bashfully, her hands behind her back, and her little frame turning this way and that in a childish wait.

"Well hello there wee one," Vendish leaned forward and tapped her on the nose. The girl gasped then giggled, her tiny red wings flapping madly. "What brings you over here?" He whispered with a smile.

The girl curtsied with a giggle, "Prince Vendish. Lord Jordan." So formal for a child, but then again I had no idea how things worked around here. Her cheeks flushed and her hands came from behind her back. Two beaded necklaces were revealed in her chubby little clutches and she held them up to us.

"I made both of them myself," she stated proudly. A group of children waited behind her, laughing wildly. The girl turned and scowled at them, turning back to us with embarrassment. She hung her head, dropping her hands with the necklaces in shame. 

Well at least the kids here weren't that much different from back home, I snorted. Yet, they gave me the perfect opportunity to show the Fae that I wasn't heartless. I leaned forward and brought her pouting face to meet my eyes.

"These are beautiful...wee one," I grinned, trying out some Fae terminology. The little girl's eyes widened with glee and her tiny hand thrust one at me eagerly.

"You like it then?" She bit her rosy bottom lip.

"No, I love it," I whispered and brought the multicolored seed necklace around my head. She gasped in delight, her entire body dancing with joy.

"Well do I not get one too?" Vendish pouted playfully, bringing a hand to his chest.

"Oh Mother, I am so sorry Prince Vendish. Here," she squealed and almost jumped into his lap. 

He picked her up and settled her onto his knee, taking the blue and green necklace out of her hands, "I shall wear it every day."

"Really?" the wee one looked as if she would cry.

"Why would I let something as wonderful as this go to waste? Besides, when people ask where I got this wonderful piece of hand crafted jewelry, I shall tell them. I believe your little hobby will be keeping you far busier in the future."

"Oh Prince Vendish, thank you!" she clung to him in a heart wrenching hug. 

"Posey! Oh Great Mother, forgive her my Lord. She is still so young," a woman in a faded orange shift dress went to grab the tiny girl from Vendish's lap. 




My Telija Ch. 04



"It's alright," he waved a hand at her, pulling the wee one into a hug.

"She came to give us these gorgeous necklaces," I smiled, fingering the seeds around my neck. 

"You really like them?" the mother smiled, her panic melting away.

"Actually, I was wondering if Posey...that is your name right?" I tickled the little girl from the side.


"Yes!" she squealed and laughed, poking her head out from Ven's chest.

"Well I was wondering if Posey could make some more for us. Let's see we have mom, Lu, Aunt Kim..." I smiled.

"Why don't you make it an even dozen and send them to the house. We'll pay you most generously," Ven winked at me.

"You don't have to pay me! It is good enough that you like them," Posey's big brown eyes watered.

"Well we would not accept them for free. I won't hear of it. Come by the house by the end of the week and we shall pay you for your work," Vendish nodded at her.

"Thank you," she whispered and he kissed her head. "Now go and enjoy the celebration with your family."

"Come Posey, your papa is waiting for you," the woman pried the young girl from Ven's lap. "Thank you my Lords." The red head bowed, her red and yellow wings spanning over her back.

"You are most welcome. We will see you soon my dearest Posey," Ven crossed his heart and bowed.

Posey blushed and I winked at her. The tiny thing gasped and hid behind her mother with a grin, "Come along wee one. Your papa will be worried." 

The pair disappeared into the crowd and I sighed. Seeing Ven with Posey melted my heart. He was so good with his people, even with his imposing build and strong eyes, Vendish was still gentle hearted. I hadn't realized I was staring at him until he actually blushed and turned away.

"Why are looking at me like that?" his voice was husky. Deciding to have a little fun, I scooted over the grass until our bodies were pressed together. 

"Because I can," I whispered in his ear, feeling his body give off a slight tremble.

"Don't tease me Jordan, I cannot take it," he faced me, heat in his eyes. I got to my knees so that our faces were level with each other and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. Ven's body went completely still and I could hear his fingers digging into the grass. Pulling back, his arms slipped around me, and his chin rested on my head.

We just stayed there, holding onto each other, watching the people laugh and dance around us. Rosie stopped by to make sure we got our share of food and wine, but sensed we were just having some quiet time. So, her visit was limited. With everything that had happened recently the time with Vendish was nice. I had never relied on anyone to comfort me, but just having him near me seemed to change all that. I realized that I was part of this duo just as much as he was, and that we actually were relying on each other. 

After a while we seemed to relax from our worries and tensions. I wanted to explore this new culture and see everything up close and for what it truly was...my new world. Admittedly, I wasn't fully accepting of everything I was seeing, but I had seen enough to know that it was real. Being raised human for all of my life, my brain was still fighting against these new sights and ideals, but my heart felt like I had always been a part of this world; that this new realm was where I belonged. Vendish seemed to sense my new found excitement and smiled, pulling me to my feet.

The bonfire nearest us raged, while a group of girls with wings and bell tipped ribbons danced around it to the beat of heavy drums and what looked like guitars and flutes. Vendish guided me around the fire, my eyes entranced on the dancers stepping quickly yet heavily around the flames.

"You act as if you've never seen a dance before," Vendish murmured in my ear.

"Not like this," I whispered and sighed when his large hands cupped my hips. "I've never seen anything like this actually. It's...It's...I don't even know where to begin."

"Well, do you like it at least?" he nuzzled my neck, his piercings grazing my hair.

"Ven," I swallowed and closed my eyes. His lips left tiny kisses along my skin, before he moved down the line of my shoulder. "Vendish..." I choked, feeling his teeth dig into my flesh teasingly.

"Do you like it?" he rumbled, turning me in his embrace.

"Yes," I breathed and his arms went around my waist. 

"Good. Then come with me," he winked and pulled me with him.

"Wha...I thought you were...Vendish!" So help me God, he was teasing me, and without mercy. Okay then, two could play this game. Maybe he figured, I needed some fun after all the craziness that had been the last forty eight hours, cause the man knew how to yank my chain, and yank it hard.

"Come on Telija!" He laughed, guiding me quickly through the throngs of people and delighted squealing wee ones. We weaved around the glittering trees, ducked under numerous multi colored lanterns that hung from low slung branches, passing the Fire Fae breathing flames for a large group. I jerked him to a halt when we came across a dark skinned female with golden wings dancing on top of a makeshift stage. Coins like diamonds hung low on her hips and jingled to the beat of her dance. She moved like a cat...sensual, slow, and all too predatory. 

"Oh no you don't." Vendish chuckled and pulled me back to his chest. "She's wearing a pixie elixir. It attracts people to her, men in particular." He took a few steps backward, bringing me with him. "If you want to see the best part of the Rahn Ji, then come with me my love."

"But, she's so..." I murmured. The woman had me hypnotized. Her golden wings and swaying hips seemed like the only thing that mattered, even though I had never been attracted to a woman a day in my life.

"I think I know a way to break this spell," Vendish ran a hand over my chest, before spinning me to face him. I darted a glance at the dancer, but he wasn't having it, and pushed me into the nearest tree. My back thudded gently against the bark and the stars skidded away from my touch, darkening our corner of the crowd, and sheltering us from unwanted eyes.

"Look at me Jordan. Look only at me," his voice was smooth and heated. Ven's hands went to either side of my head, trapping me against him with nowhere to go. Finally I managed to peel my eyes away from the Fae performer and look into his green eyes. The stare he was giving me, made my heart rate quicken, and all the blood in my body rush to my dick.

"Kiss me Telija," he purred and put his forehead to mine, "Great Mother I want to feel your lips against mine." 

That was the moment that I came back to myself. The pixie pheromones or whatever they were ebbed off my conscious thoughts. Vendish raised a brow and lifted his head, a smirk on his face. I was suddenly reminded of our game and gasped with a pointing finger to the stage. Ven smiled and turned to see what had me so excited and I ran for it, ducking under his arms and gunning it into the woods.

I heard his growl from yards away, followed by his laughter, "You're going to pay for that Telija. Mark my words, I will find you."

At this point I was kind of counting on that. I had decided I wanted him to find me. I wanted him to kiss me and touch me, and hell, let me touch him. Fuck I wanted him so badly it hurt. Throughout everything that had been dumped on me, he was the one constant the entire time. 

"Oh Telija...." He coaxed as I reached the edge of another cleared circle in the woods. Another fire was blazing, this one bigger than any I had seen thus far. This one had dancers too, but not the light and airy kind that I had seen earlier. These were primal, men and women on their knees, crawling to each other. They ground against one another, back and forth, before rising slowly and switching partners. 

Hands grabbed me and slammed against a hard chest, "no more games my love." Vendish licked my neck and I moaned. Watching the dancers and Vendish's hands combined with his tongue had me so hard I couldn't stand it. 

"This is what I wanted you to see," he growled in my ear and I rubbed against the bulge in his pants. "The mating dance."

"Dance with me Telija," he groaned, slipping his hand over my erection.

"Oh fuck..." I moaned. His other hand worked my sleeveless tunic off my chest, exposing my network of tattoos.

"Dance with me..." Vendish whispered.

"Come on Jordy!" Lucy laughed and whipped past us with two gorgeous Fae males. They chased her into the circle of watchers and right into the bonfire of dancers. Lu didn't even hesitate as she picked up the steps and let go, the men right on her heels, both of them grinding against her without a care in the world. The whole thing had me hotter than the damned fire.

"Fuck it." I resigned and grabbed Ven's hand.  If you're going to be the Master of the damned Shadows, better do it in style right? Together we parted through the Fae gathered and stood at the edge of the circle. My nerves crept back in suddenly. I didn't dance, what was I thinking? I had no idea what I was doing.

"Let me lead," those were the last words Vendish said before sweeping me into the circle of dancers. 

The drums were deep and loud as Ven pulled me against him and dipped me back, his thick bulge pressed into mine from above and ground into me harshly. I had no time to even think before he pulled me to standing and stalked around me slowly, mimicking the other dancers, running their hands over each other in blatant want.

My eyes cut to Lu, who moaned when two sets of hands ran over her body, touching her sensually while everyone watched. The dancers dropped to their knees, prowling towards their partner and grinding themselves together like two animals mating. My back arched when Vendish crawled on top of me and ground his cock into me. A moan escaped me from the look in his eyes. He was no longer my gentle protector. No, he was a man, a warrior, a Fae in need. 

I was swept off my back with a growl. All the dancers stood again and twirled to the next partner. A man with skin the color of crimson grabbed my hand and pulled me against him. I cut a worried look to Vendish, who narrowed his eyes, but pulled his new female partner to his chest, still watching me the whole time.

My new partner laughed, his yellow eyes glowing against the fire, and his hands drifted down to cup my ass. It was wrong to like the touch of this unfamiliar man. It was wrong to take my eyes off of Ven, but he knew this dance, and knew it meant dancing with other people. So, I let myself become a part of it all. It felt too good not too.

"Just have fun wee one," the man whispered in my ear and dipped me back, grinding his hard length into me. "That's it shadow male, let go..." he murmured and sucked at my neck, his fangs grazing my flesh. 

"Oh God," I moaned, arching into his chest. Quickly recovering, the red skinned Fae pulled me back up and stalked around me, his hands roaming my bare chest, and skimming over my hips. 

I played along, no longer caring about the onlookers, and picked up the steps. Knowing the dance a little better, I didn't stand there this time. I stalked in a small circle with him, each of us looking at the other with hunger. Ven was dancing with his female, but both of us looked up at the same time, a smile on his face just for me. Damn, I couldn't wait to get back to him, to feel him on top of me.

That was the point of this dance, I realized. The entire thing was designed to get you so damned hot, that you couldn't help but give in to the mating call afterwards. I was willing to bet that half the damned race was populated after one of these dances. Pulled from my thoughts, we dropped to our knees. 

Red Fae crawled on top of me with a fanged grin, "the Prince will crave you when I am done shadow male." 

His bare chest slid over mine, his hard muscle teasing my nipples, and the tent in his linen bottoms ground into mine. He must have had a death wish from Ven, because his mouth locked onto one of my nipples, making me moan harshly and fist his long golden hair. Sharp teeth nicked the skin, a rough tongue slid over my erect bud, and seeking fingers slid into my mouth.

I heard the growl next to me and looked at Ven, who looked about ready to explode. He pinned the female to the ground, and worked his hips into her arousal, his eyes dead set on me. It was like we were touching each other with our eyes. He wanted me and I wanted him, and in some fucked up cosmic backwards way, this is how we were showing each other. 


I took the wrist on my chin with my free hand and sucked two fingers into my mouth slowly, my eyes never leaving Ven's. He growled, taking the female harder, making her cry out. I started to grind back against Red, much to his delight, and he snaked his body up mine, removing my fingers and looking at Vendish with a grin. 

Red brought his lips to mine and kissed me. I let it happen. I wanted Vendish to see me kiss another man, because it turned me on. If you had asked me if being part of some crazy voyeur type grind session was on my list of to do's, I would have laughed in your face. But now, I loved it. Maybe this was a Fae thing? I didn't care right now. I wanted to be a part of the sexual energy flowing through the circle, to give and take of each other's pleasure in this primal way.

"If the Prince is willing to share one day....Remember how much I want you. Remember how hard you made me," Red licked my lips, his fangs glinting in the dancing light. "Maybe one day..." he whispered.

He pulled us to our feet and twirled me to the next person, a girl this time. I shuddered when he winked and started sliding against the female in his arms. The last partner before Ven was just getting ready to pull me from the ground, when I got nervous. What would Ven do? Was he going to be mad with me for touching all these people and liking it? God, I was a terrible person. Here I was, wanting to be with him and acting like a man whore in front of the entire court.

My partner spun me to Vendish. The minute our bodies connected he pulled me from the circle, without a word. Gasping, I tried to keep up with him, as his grip on my arm was like a vice. We passed the crowd and made straight for a dark patch of woods. 

"Ven!" I squeaked when he pushed me onto the ground and growled. His shirt was ripped from his torso with his large hands and fluttered uselessly to the ground. 

"No more Jordan..." he hissed. "Tonight you are mine."

With that he dropped to his knees and climbed on top of me, "all mine." He breathed and pulled my lips to his with a moan. He tasted like wine and God knows I wanted to be intoxicated by him, so I forced my tongue into his mouth.

I needed him and I needed him now. Snaking my hand in between our bodies, I pulled on the string to his pants, pulling the garment half way down his ass in my crazed need. 

"Telija..." he pulled off my mouth gasping, his eyes downright animalistic. He grinned, pulling my hands off his backside and pinning them above me. Closing his eyes, I felt the wind shift and heard a snake like rustle behind me. As I bent my head back to search for the source of the sound, vines began to wrap around the tree behind me. They slithered towards my pinned wrists and I lost my breath. Thick rubbery like tendrils twined around my wrists, looping and knotting my limbs in place, letting me know there was no escape in my near future.

"What the..." I shivered. 

The Prince bent down to my ear, "I think I am the victor in our little game my mate." He whispered, "Now this body is all mine." 

His hands ran over my smooth skin, their fingers splaying down my chest. Vendish scooted back, wasting no time in pulling down my own linen pants to expose my hard length. "Do you deny that you are mine Jordan? Say you don't want me," he growled and fisted my erection.

I arched off the ground, "Fuck! Vendish! Oh God."

"Do you deny me now my mate?" He twisted his fist, pulling my shaft up, tugging it in his grasp.

"No!" I almost screamed. My body began to heat up, that familiar temperature increase that spurred on my dark and twisty friends started to spike. "Ven..." I tried to warn him, but he seemed not to care. 

His hand left my body as he sat back to pull off my pants all the way, shucking my boots off in the process. A wind picked up through the trees and I knew it was him.  Did our abilities spike when we were aroused? Is that how this worked? Oh God, please whoever you are Great Mother....please don't let me hurt him.

"I can feel them inside of you." He stood, looking me dead in the eye. "But I do not care," He pulled his pants down in one quick tug, letting them fall to his feet. He stepped out of them, leaving his knee high leather boots on, and kneeling again. "I said I want you and that means all of you. You are mine, so they are mine as well."

Oh fuck! They wanted out, I could feel it. The shadows wanted to play with him and who was I to deny them that fucking edible body. His thick cock bobbed against his stomach, just begging to fill me. Vendish's muscles bunched while he showcased his body to me, running his hands over every inch of what I could see to tease me or work me up. Whichever he was attempting to do, both were working. 

I gasped when I saw the first shadow flicker to life on my skin, "Vendish, please." His body would calm them. That seemed to be the only thing I knew to be true and he understood, straddling me once more to soothe my worries. 

"I said I want them too. I want all of you..." he slowly put a hand over the wisp of black that danced on my chest. The big warrior closed his eyes and shuddered.

"Great Mother!" he cried out, sliding his leaking erection against mine. "Telija..." His eyes opened and he licked his lips. Vendish moved down my body, the shadows growing larger in size, and starting to appear on my arms.

His tongue licked down the line of my chest while his eyes narrowed at me. The shadows started to follow him, winding into his hair and running over his skin like water. 

****Vendish****

These unfamiliar entities crept onto my body, heightening the pleasure to a level I'd never known. Every lick of the shadowy flames against my skin made me tremble, and my temperature increase, until I was sweating in pure need. 

His hardened length stared at me, pulsing with the beat of his blood pumping it's way in and out. Jordan was bound before me, completely mine in every sense of the word. I lifted my head above the haze of lust we had created and it was then that I felt the unwanted gaze of eyes of which I could not see.

Immediately my need was replaced with that of a fierce protectiveness for my mate. It was not uncommon for the pixies to watch the woods, for it was their home to graze, but the source of which I felt, was not gleeful, but conspiring and evil. This was the reason I had sent Cellan and the warriors out. There had been reports of strange energies and with Jameen suddenly reappearing with the hunters, we had to be very careful and out in full force.

"Stay very still Jordan," I placed a palm against his stomach and brought a finger to my lips. The earth felt the disturbance in my mind and released my mate from his bindings quickly. 

"What is it?" Jordan sat up slowly, bringing his thin arms around my waist. His eyes searched the woods and he sniffed the air curiously. It was the first time I had seen his Fae instincts really kick in and I worried about another episode from the shadows, should he feel threatened.

"I am sorry my love, but we need to go," I grabbed his pants, hiding his naked body from the direction that the energy presented itself.

Jordan sighed and hung his head, but nodded. After we were both dressed, he looked into the darkened trees, and took a step, "I feel it now," he growled.




My Telija Ch. 04



"It's watching us. They don't like it," he hissed and crouched near a bush full of Yapona flowers. Their bright yellow petals shied away from him, folding in on themselves and away from the possible danger. 

"You mean the shadows?" I crouched next to him and whispered.

"Yes. They want out completely. I can feel it, but something is missing. Something important that will protect us," he turned to me, showcasing his blackened eyes.

This time though, he wasn't being taken over. He was still himself, but he seemed to be integrating with his new 'friends' as he called them. We needed to find out more about his new abilities and I knew just the person to help us. For now though, we needed to get out of here and warn the others. It would be the end of the celebration, but it would mean the safety of many.

I whistled softly for any pixie that was near and was rewarded with a zip of blue flying from the treetops. Even better I smiled at the pixie warrior male that landed on my knee with a structured salute.

"My Lord," he bowed, his other hand gripping his small sword.

"I need a very important message sent out to Yukah territory. Can you do this?" I asked.

"Of course my Lord, what is that you wish to tell?" I leaned forward and whispered my message in his ear, and away from the source that watched us.

'Very good," he bowed again and whistled like that of a bird. A dozen blue pixies flew to his side and together they took off for the bog.

"What was that all about?" Jordan whispered fiercely, his fingers playing with Posey's necklace. His eyes were calmer, but still darker than normal, his instincts still hiding in the shadows.

"Come on, I'll tell you once we arrive at the palace," I pulled him to his feet. My eyes caught a vision of a female with long dark hair and a wisp of blue silk trailing behind her at the edge of the woods. I scowled, knowing full well who that silk belonged to...Rain.

****The Cloak****

I watched the males from the woods, touching and kissing, with Vendish's large hands gliding over that beautiful lithe body with desire. It was something of a fantasy to watch his little mate writhe like he was in heat. Not to mention the shadows that I longed to touch dance upon his half-breed skin. 

Now I knew it to be true with my own eyes. The shadows were real and somehow Meeka had gained a successor. I would use the youngling along with his father to bring all of Fae to its knees. Pass me over once, I got over it, but pass me up twice for another, and it was war. Lygos, the arrogant fool, provided me with all the resources I needed to back my cause. Even if he didn't know our causes weren't the same. 

I could care less if his sister was dead. Actually I rather fancied that fact that she was long gone. Meeka was in my way and Guardwin did me a favor by removing her entirely. Granted what happened afterward was purely coincidental, but it worked out all the same. Now I looked upon the Prince and his little shadow morsel, I knew with certainty that I would have Jordan within my fold soon enough.

"There you are," a hand grabbed onto my shoulder, making me turn with a scowl. Who dared to disturb me? I stiffened and wrapped my energy back inside of me. It was becoming harder to tame as of late and I needed to get a hold on it before someone noticed.

The woman looked around and ran her delicate hands up and down her arms with a shiver, "do you feel that?" Her blue eyes looked at me innocently.

"I felt something too. Let's get back to the others," I looked around in mock fear, before training my eyes on her angelic face again.

She threaded her arm through mine and led me back to the bonfire and all my future slaves.

****Vendish****

"Send word to Rosie that we'll be staying at the palace. If she doesn't object, I'd rather her join us. I don't like knowing she'll be there all alone," I told Daega, who awaited further instruction. 

"Will there be anything else my Lord?" Daega buzzed.

"No Daega, that will all. Thank you little one," I bowed. "Do give my best to your Queen and tell her to be on watch. If she sees anything, alert the court immediately."

"Of course my Lord, she will be pleased that you thought of her," Daega smiled and flitted about, obviously restless being this far away from the woods.

"Good night little one."

"Sweet dreams my Prince. The same to you dearest Jordan," she murmured to my mate who was half asleep in his chair.

"You too Daega," he yawned. Daega giggled and flew out of our quarters and into the night.

"Will someone make sure Rosie gets here safely?" Jordan looked up, his eyes heavy.

"Yes, Daega will see to it. Besides, the dwarves are not powerless. Rosie can be quite feisty when need be," I sat next to him, running my hand over his.

"When need be?" he snorted. "Try always."

"True. Just don't let her hear you say so," I bent over and kissed his head. He was so tired from everything that had happened today. 

The palace had quieted down a bit after our arrival. The news of another strange sighting traveled quickly, killing the celebratory mood, and driving the Fae to call it night. I felt badly that Jordan had not had the time to take in the magnificence of the palace and all its many splendors. After the shadows had died down, his strength seemed to go with it. He had barely had the energy to cling to me as I whisked him here in the first place. 

The only thing keeping him awake was the promise to see his mother, who in turn had been fast asleep when we visited. Jordan was disappointed and rightfully so, but his state had me more concerned. It was my job to make sure he was well taken care of and I couldn't help feeling like I was again failing him. Taking him from this place to that place, feeding him at irregular hours, and denying him from partaking in our bed was certainly taking its toll. The last part I knew was not my fault and if anything I was glad we had been interrupted. Yes, I wanted him. That was not the problem. 

I just did not want him to want me merely because of the 'festivities'. I wanted him to come to me when he was ready and because he...well, because he loved his mate. We were some time away from that, but I could feel him opening up to me. The little touches he allowed me to give, the tiny kisses that lit up his face. He was coming around and that was all that I asked. I would never force him into something he was not ready for.

Maybe being around the palace would help him get used to our culture and our ways of life. He would see the other mated pairs and know that it was not just sex that brought us together, but the idea of being a half to a whole, a person to share your inner most thoughts with. I sighed, getting carried away again and got up from the chair, pulling my mate with me.

"Oomph," he muttered into my chest, barely able to stand on his own two feet.

"Easy now," I slung an arm around his waist and guided him to the bed. A beautiful white birch, four poster bed, that had a full twisted canopy up top, and gave way to soft green silken drapes that poured from the top for privacy. Again Jordan noticed nothing about his surroundings and flopped onto his back. 

I smiled sitting next to him and started picking small leaves out of his golden hair. He turned his head to me with a grin, "I look like shit don't I?"

With my brows raised, I replied, "I don't believe it is possible to look like 'shit'. That would take quite a potion to truly change one's form, seeing as how you have not mastered your glamour."

He weakly slapped my chest, "You know what I mean wind fairy."

I rolled my eyes, "I am not a..."

A tired laugh came from him, "yeah, yeah not a fairy. I know Ven, I was teasing."

"Teasing huh? Well you must be Fae after all," I smirked.

"What gave me away?" he yawned.

"Enough talking Telija, you are tired. Let's get you out of those linens and under the covers," I cut him off and pulled off his boot.

"You just wanna take advantage of me..." he smiled with his eyes closed.

"I would never do that," I whispered, throwing his boot to the floor and grabbing the other one. "I am just taking care of you."

"I'm teasing Ven..." he murmured faintly.

"I know my love," I bent over, kissing his cheek while at the same time, gently pulling his linen bottoms off his hips.

"Night Ven," he breathed, whisking his fingers over my arm, and then was out like a light.

I suppressed a chuckle and kissed his forehead softly, "Goodnight my Telija."

~~~~~~

Watching Jordan fully awake and walking around the palace was entertaining to say the least. His eyes were wide, his mouth opened and closed, and every few minutes he would gasp and point. Occasionally he would say something, but then trail off when he discovered something that surpassed his last discovery. To say he looked like a wee one was as understatement. But he was mine and I loved every second of his giddy delight.

The palace was divided into four wings with the King and Queen's home in the center. It had been erected after the first Great War with the hunters to ensure safety for our people. Now though, it housed the Fae court and their families, leaving the other Fae folk to their own territories around the Fae realm. Not that they minded, because they had their own lands now and were free to build as they liked. 

I had been a youngling myself when the species split off and began their own lives, but I could still remember the harmony that came from the togetherness of it all. Now, the species were all divided, rarely partaking in each other's lives, unless it was for a death, birth, or strategizing war. In short, there were feuds amongst the leaders, nothing ever seemed to work cohesively, and certain species were alienated in mass. It was wrong, for the Mother created us to depend on one another. For without water there would be no life, without earth there would be no food, and without fire there would be no heat, and so on and so on.

It saddened me, that there was a great divide, but until the leaders realized there wrongdoings in their own minds, there was nothing to be done. But Jordan was the one thing that they all seemed to be curious of. That was where we were headed now, to the counsel room for a meeting with the leaders. I was glad that I had decided to wake him early, for his perusal seemed to be taking forever.

"Ven come look! Look at that, have you ever seen a bird that big?" His eyes were sparkling with excitement as he leaned out the second story window.

"Careful Telija," I pulled him back a little, looking over his head at the 'bird'.

"That is a Malifezent. Do you see the basket on its back?" I pointed to the creature that was almost six feet tall with wings that spanned up to sixteen feet. It was a brilliant blue, with purple and white tipped feathers, and a beak that was sharp and black. The Mal's eyes tracked us, blinking it's lids over bright yellow eyes, before ruffling it's feathers. 

"Yea, what's in it?" He tried to get closer again.

"He's delivering food to the kitchen from the fields. His master is a farmer, but the fields are on the other side of the woods, so the Mal helps his master to carry the load. He also delivers messages and parcels to all of Fae, along with his sisters and brothers."

"So he's like your version of a mailman?" Jordan turned to me curiously.

I sighed. As he had a lot to learn, so did I. My human knowledge was limited to the quests that I had led, and only a few of them actually involved their realm. I had no clue what he was talking about and was slightly ashamed to ask. But if he was my mate, I would need to know. 

"Tell me of this mailman," I stated confidently.

"Oh right, sorry," he nodded and I relaxed. He did not judge me in the slightest. "Back home we have a person that delivers uh, messages and packages to and from people all over the world. We just call that person the mailman. Funny that you guys call yours Mal. See not so different..." he smiled and turned back to the creature, who settled his wings for his Master to board into the basket. 

I chuckled, "come one we're almost late." I gently pulled him away from the window and down the birch lined hallway. 

"There you are! Mother, you went to bed so early. Did you drink too much wine? I know I did! Fire brothers can get you into all sorts of trouble," Lucy babbled, coming from around the corner and running up to us.

"Fire brothers?" I crossed my arms.

"Yes, fire brothers. Blajah's sons, Dim and Lit," she smirked.

"Luciana, if your mother hears that you were with the crudest boys in all of Fae, she will pull the very wings off your back," how could she be so stupid? Those boys were nothing but trouble, and neither were suitable mates for a beautiful girl like Lucy.

"It's not like I'm going to bond with them, they're just for fun. Besides, I got invited to their solstice soiree at Glass Lake. Very posh Jordan, you must be my guest!" She squealed excitedly.

"Two guys Lu? Seriously?" Jordan's eyes were wide.

"Oh whatever! I saw you with Hazia last night and you didn't seem to shy away. So don't give me that 'Mr. Doe Eyed', I'm so innocent crap," she narrowed her eyes.

"Do not speak of Hazia with my mate. It was part of a dance and nothing more. Don't make it out to be something it is not, please Luciana. I just warn you of the trouble Dim and Lit are known for. I do not wish to see your heart break little one. Time and time again I tell you to be careful, but you seem not to listen. What will it take for you to seek a nice boy and settle your ways?"

"You sound like mom now. Most of the court boys are so boring! All they want is to go to their lessons and battle train afterwards. They never lighten up and have fun! They are Fae and they do not smile or dance or laugh. Why ever would I choose that Vendish? Would you?" Lucy hung her head.

"Lu all he's saying is to be careful. Just watch yourself okay? We care a lot about you and don't want to see anyone hurt you. That's all," Jordan rubbed her shoulder.

My mate agreed with me? He actually agreed with me and better yet, tried to help her understand. I looked at him with wonder and he smiled with a wink. Mother, help me, but this boy had my heart. 

"Yes, Fire boys are rather naughty, are they not Vendish?" Hazia stalked past slowly, pausing to look directly into my eyes. He licked his cherry lips, a hint of fang gleaming in his mouth.

"Hazia," I growled. Jordan turned slowly and looked at the Fire Fae that had touched his body only hours before. He shuddered, backing into my chest, and allowing me to wrap an arm around his waist.

"Well isn't that what you were just telling our dear Luciana? That Fire boys are dirty with a need that overpowers all the desires you have ever known." His golden eyes narrowed with lust at my mate and the heat from his body crept over our skin.

I cleared my throat, tightening my hold on Jordan, "I was telling Lucy to guard herself from boys that only needed certain things. She is an upstanding member of the court and should act accordingly. That is all."

Shut your mouth, you spineless weasel. I ground my teeth in anger.

"Hmm, funny you should say that Vendish. For it was not long ago, that you yourself gave into such desires. Now it would seem you have become the thing of which you hated the most...a prude," Hazia grinned wickedly.

"You used to be so much fun Vendish," my name like a hiss from his lips. "We used to have a lot of fun. It seems your new mate is not so different from the way you were, for he too enjoys the carnal pleasure of flesh and tongue. Do you not little one?"

"What's he talking about Vendish?" Jordan turned in my arms, his adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed back fear.

"Nothing Telija. He was just leaving, weren't you Hazia?" I bit out, much to the delight of the red skinned male.

"We'll see about 'nothing' my Prince. One day soon, the three of us will surely find 'something' to do together," he offered with a scrape of his nails down his shirtless chest.

Lucy stiffened, her face turned to the floor with cheeks as red as apples. The poor girl might know a thing or two about Fire boys, but this Fire man was positively too much for her mind to explore. Hazia chuckled, "see you around...Telija."

I growled, watching Hazia's firm backside retreat down a side corridor and into the dark, "Jordan?"

"What did he mean Ven?" Jordan pulled out my arms and stepped closer to Lucy, "and don't tell me nothing."

Lucy looked from me to Ven, knowing exactly what I didn't want to say. How could she not, for it had been rumored around the palace for years. She lifted her head and straightened her back, "don't mind Hazia, Jordan. He's a prick and likes to mess with everyone. Don't worry alright? He meant nothing, he just made you want to think he did."

"Should I worry Ven?" Jordan eyed me skeptically. He was jealous. My mate, who denied we were Ghea, was very much jealous. "Did you two...did you..." Jordan closed his mouth and breathed through his nose in anger.

"Come on Jordy, everyone is waiting," Lucy grabbed his arm and dragged him behind her. His eyes narrowed at me with a huff, and turned on his heel, following Lucy towards the counsel quarters.

I groaned with a pain in my heart, but followed the pair past the watchful eyes of the warriors lining the counsel hall. Hazia grinned ahead of us and slipped through the thick double doors to join his mother at her side. My blood boiled at the sight of his face. What was he playing at and why? There had been nothing between us for over a century, yet now he decided to bring his fire to the table, and threaten my new relationship with my mate. I was tired of it already and if he decided to interfere again, I would take care of him permanently.

If he made Jordan uncomfortable one more time...well his flame would be snuffed out. I stormed into the counsel room behind Lucy and Jordan, taking my place next to Guardwin and my parents, and gesturing for Jordan to sit beside me. Jordan was quiet, watching the eyes that watched him back around the large circle of chairs. He looked at me and rolled his eyes, crossing his arms, but sat when I narrowed my eyes.

I loved him dearly, Mother knows I did, but this was neither the time nor the place to boast his anger. The court would view him with distaste and that was the last thing we needed right now.

Kimella sat behind her parents in her own throne with Jillian in a chair next to her. The room was eerily silent as all the chairs were finally filled. The small balls of light slowly swirled around the ceiling, casting an ominous glow over the leaders, and setting the gold flecked marble to a fiery shine.

Guardwin leaned over to me, "all is well then?" He flicked his eyes at Jordan, then back to me.

"Yes," I grit, tightening my hands on the arms of my throne and casting a murderous look to Hazia. The fool sat casually next to his mother Blajah and served me a wink with a flick of fang. I would kill him if he dared, I really would.

"Are you sure Vendish?" he lowered his tone, commanding me to look at him.

"All is well my King," I stared straight into his eyes, daring him to continue.

"Very well, later we shall have a chat," Guardwin looked away and took Orla's hand.

He cleared his throat and palmed his staff at his side, "You all know why we are here, so let us skip the pleasantries and get right to the matter at hand."

Silent nods and a few soft growls provided by the AniFae greeted him, "My son..." he took a deep breath. "Has returned to our sights once more and brought with him the Hunter's threat. Our warriors have been out since the attack investigating his appearance and the attacks against our people. Since then, three more reports have come in of a malevolent presence within our realm. We have not been able to pinpoint any one being as the source of this energy, but we continue to look."




My Telija Ch. 04



I looked to Jordan then, calculating his expression, and feeling my heart torn at the sight.

****Jordan****

Not once did Guardwin defend Jameen during his speech, but then again how could he? No one knew for sure what was happening; only that the Hunter's were involved, and that Jameen had been seen with them for sure. He couldn't have done it. My heart told me there was no way. Even though I had never met my dad, I knew this was true. As mad as I was at Vendish right now, his love for my dad was sincere. He wouldn't lie about something like that. Would he?

Slowly I began to unravel, my thoughts taking me to a dark place. First, there was the issue of Hazia, who sat across from us eating me with his eyes. I sighed, looking at my feet, so I didn't have to see him. Had he been with Vendish, had he....slept with my... I shook my head. No, he wasn't my anything yet. I couldn't be mad right? Besides Vendish had said it was nothing, but then why did my heart hurt? Something wasn't right about this and as much as it pained me to say...I think he was lying. To protect me, I don't know, but he wasn't telling me anything. 

Second, there was the fact that my dad had been deemed enemy number one to the Fae. As Guardwin went on, detailing the pixie messaged reports, that fact became rather clear. The other leaders got glints of retribution in their eyes at the mention of Jameen's name and talks of a hunt circulated throughout the room. I gripped the arms of my chair in anger. In fact, I was so pissed off that I could feel the shadows start to creep forward. 

"Until we know the facts to be true, we will wait to take action," Guardwin concluded and Orla nodded gravely.

"Wait?" Brutus stood and growled. "You wish us to wait while the bastard walks our realm, plotting the murder of our Ghea and pups? You're mad! I call for a hunt!"

"I second this," Rain stood, glittering stones covered her teal dress, like a waterfall come to life on her body. "He has done enough Guardwin."

That was it. The shadows had heard enough. It was close. Whatever was missing was very close. Close enough that they could come out to play. I stood slowly. Vendish's sucked in a sharp breath and tried to grab my arm.

"You have said enough you fucking asshole. You will sit and know your place!" I hissed. The shadows licked to life on my hands and Brutus growled. "And you," I pointed a finger to the Leader of the Water Fae. "You would do well to shut your mouth for once, you miserable old hag." 

"No one asked for either of your God damned opinions and as for a hunt... If you so much as think about killing my father, I will hunt you..." The inky shadows twisted and grew, whirling over my body.

"Jordan?" Vendish was behind me, his breath hot on my neck.

"No! Not you either. Don't touch me," my voice was deranged, an echo of what it normally was.

"Telija..." He whispered.

"Jordan," Guardwin was in front of me in the blink of an eye. "No one is going to touch him until we know for sure. Until sufficient evidence has been collected, we wait..." He put his hands on shoulders slowly.

"Your word..." I hissed.

"I solemnly give you my oath as King, that no harm will come to Jameen of the Royal Fae right, unless he is found guilty of treason." He crossed his heart and I was able to breathe.

"No!" Brutus roared. "You cannot give that oath! What if he attacks us this night and you do not have your 'proper' evidence? We will have to kill you too!"

"I would die to protect my child anyways Brutus and as for killing me...you could try," Guardwin's voice was like steel down my spine, calm and deadly, his threat completely rendered with his tone.

"Touch a hair on his head and you are mine," I pointed at the man who was slowly starting to fur from head to toe. His yellow eyes slanted and grew brighter. The more I pissed him off, the less control he had over his animal half. 

"Come and get me Shadow freak," he growled and his nails protruded from his fingers.

"ENOUGH!" Vendish roared, his red staff growing into his palm out of thin air and pointed it at Brutus. "Ever since we were young you had it out for Jameen. I know it and so does everyone in this room. You were angry that he was a better warrior than you, even though you were built as a natural predator. I do not care about your petty hate, but I do care that you threaten my Ghea. If you touch him, even bare your beastly teeth to him, I will rip them out one by one, and gut you like an animal. Am I clear Brutus? HUH! Am I clear enough now?" Vendish's eyes were so bright, I thought they would explode with his fury. His muscles strained under his tunic and his hand gripped his staff so hard, I thought it would break in two.

The wind of his ability whipped around the room, waiting for his violent commands, and the plants that had sat on the floor, burst into fistfuls of ash and soil. He was pissed and suddenly I was scared enough that my friends crept under my skin in hiding. It wasn't that the shadows were afraid of his power, it was that I was, and I controlled them. I stepped back with the realization....I did control them, not the other way around. When I was sad or angry, they were trying to protect me because I couldn't control myself. They were trying to help. 

I looked up with a smirk and brought a hand out in front of me. Come on damn it, come out, come out, wherever you are. A rush flowed up my arm and on command came a thin shadow that hovered in my palm. What's more, is that this time it swirled with blue tendrils, and water dripped onto my skin from underneath. Awesome, I thought in awe.

"Back down Brutus," I looked up into his completely shocked eyes. His fur melted away into his usual thick coat of body hair. 

"He commands them," he breathed.

"Telija, how did you..."

'Because no one tells us what to do anymore...." I grinned and narrowed my eyes.

****Cellan****

It had been over nine hours since we first reached the bog and we had yet to call a pixie to us. Every one of us had tried to transport out of the bog, but were met with interference from the staff. I had never seen anything like it, not even from the hunters. 

"We have to touch it eventually," I sighed. "It's not like they'll just attack us where we stand."

"Oh yeah? We can't move Cell, how you spose we run away from them if they do?" Jambi shook his head in irritation. The Nuku Fae was in a mood, and who could blame him? We were hungry and tired and rather sick of each other at this point. "Why can't Ven's Ghea sense this damned thing anyway? Why it led us here in the first place?"

"Who says it led us here? Maybe it was supposed to lead Jordan here, not us." I turned over my shoulder to look at Jambi.

"Uh, because he's a Spirit Fae? Maybe that's it," Quimm snorted sarcastically. "By the whole Fae realm Cell, I told you this was a horrible plan. But, you couldn't listen to anyone but yourself could you? Oh...no. That would require you being wrong for once, and we can't have that. Oh, no we can't."

"Stuff it would you? For a warrior you sure whine a lot you know?" The youngling grumbled and crossed his arms over his knees, and set his chin down.

"Well I'll be. The wee one has a pair. Will ya look at that," Quimm laughed. "Oh I can stuff it, but you might not like where I put it." 

That caused all of us to laugh, except the youngling, who growled and tucked his face away in shame. 

"What I wouldn't give for one em sparkly bugs to buzz through here," Jambi groaned. "Send word back to Ven. Isn't he wondering in the lease where we at? The other troupes must have reported back by now."

"I'm sure he's got his own troubles my friend. This Jordan seems to be a handful from what I've heard," I offered.

"Uh, guys?" The youngling piped up. We looked around and followed the blue glow that slowly pulsed at the tip of the staff. "Is it summoning them? Oh Mother, help us!" He cried like a babe.

"Oh shut up you baby," Quimm clamped a hand over the boy's mouth. "Cellan?"

"Well if we're going to starve to death out here anyway, might as well find out what it wants," I shrugged.

"Cellan, I know you's a thrill seeker, but don't do it friend. Just don't do it," Quimm pleaded, his voice rough.

"Then do it with me," I smiled. I had no fear of death really. Maybe it was being a warrior that made me less afraid or maybe it was something natural, but I sought adventure and I wouldn't be missing this one.

They all took a deep breath, the pulse of the stone getting quicker. "If you get us killed, I'll come back as a thorny branch up your arse. You hear me?" Jambi smiled. 

"I hear you friend. On the count of three..." I looked around at the small group of warriors, who smiled back one by one. My brothers were with me.

"One...Two....Three," we grabbed at a spot on the staff, and black shadows swirled around us, shutting us off from the bog. The dirt under our knees disappeared, being replaced with gleaming marble. Slowly the shadows that rocked us faded away.

Jameen? I took a sharp breath as did the others and stood. The staff whipped towards the golden haired male and landed into his open palm. His fingers curled around it in wonder. Vendish? I looked from right to left, taking in all the members of the counsel. 

"Ven?" The golden haired male's voice quivered and Vendish rushed to his side. It was the last thing I remember before the room exploded with a blinding blue light.